Crime
Video shows moments Gregory Painter shot and killed by Delaware officers
MILFORD, Del. — Authorities have identified the man fatally shot by Delaware State Police following a confrontation on May 1 as 44-year-old Gregory Painter, of Milford.
According to state police, the incident began just before 4 p.m. when multiple 911 calls were received about a possible impaired driver on Route 9 (Lewes-Georgetown Highway) near Harbeson Road.
Callers reported that a red Ford F-150 pickup truck was driving erratically—moving slowly, swerving into oncoming lanes, and drifting onto the shoulder.
Responding troopers located the vehicle, operated by Painter, on Coolspring Road near Fisher Road.
When troopers attempted a traffic stop, Painter allegedly refused to comply, prompting a brief vehicle pursuit.
He ultimately stopped the truck in a driveway on West Springside Drive, in the 28000 block.
Police say that Painter exited the vehicle armed with a knife and ran into a nearby residence. Investigators confirmed that Painter was not a resident of the home, which was occupied at the time.
Shortly after entering, Painter exited the house still armed, and according to police, charged at the troopers, ignoring repeated commands to drop the weapon. In response, troopers discharged their firearms, fatally striking Painter.
No officers or other civilians were injured in the incident.
Per standard protocol, the involved troopers have been placed on administrative leave as the Delaware State Police and the Delaware Department of Justice conduct a joint investigation into the use of force.
Authorities are continuing to gather information and are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant details to contact Delaware State Police Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at (302) 741-2821. Tips can also be submitted via private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page, or anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers at (800) 847-3333.
The investigation remains ongoing.
BIRMINGHAM, Alabama — A 35-year-old man has died after being shot inside a residence in Birmingham early Thursday morning, prompting a homicide investigation by local authorities.
The victim was identified as Ralen Jerean McCurdy, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office. McCurdy was found unresponsive inside a home in the 4300 block of 12th Court North after police responded to reports of gunfire and an injured person shortly after 1:40 a.m.
Despite the response from emergency personnel, McCurdy did not survive his injuries. Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service personnel pronounced him dead at approximately 2:04 a.m.
According to authorities, officers assigned to Birmingham Police Department’s South Precinct were dispatched to the area shortly after 1:40 a.m. Thursday following a ShotSpotter alert and a report of an injured individual.
When officers arrived at the residence, they discovered McCurdy unresponsive inside the home. Emergency responders subsequently confirmed his death at the scene.
The circumstances leading up to the shooting have not yet been publicly established.
Birmingham police detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding McCurdy’s death. Authorities have not announced any arrests, and no suspect information or possible motive was included in the details released.
Investigators will continue working to determine what happened inside the residence and identify anyone who may have been involved. Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.
McCurdy’s death marks Birmingham’s fourth homicide since Saturday, according to the information provided. The latest fatal shooting adds to a difficult stretch for the city and leaves another family grieving the loss of a loved one.
At 35 years old, McCurdy’s life ended in a violent incident that remains under investigation. His death is a painful loss for his family, friends, and everyone who knew him.
As detectives continue their work, loved ones are left to remember McCurdy while waiting for answers about the circumstances that led to his death.
May Ralen Jerean McCurdy rest in peace. May his family and friends find strength, comfort, and support during this heartbreaking time.