Updated: Boyfriend charged with New Castle-area murder

307
Smith

New Castle County Detectives have arrested Wade Smith,34, of the 500 block of South DuPont Highway in the Pine Valley Apartment complex, New Castle. He has been charged in the murder of Ashleigh Close. He has been charged with murder in the first degree and several weapons and is being held without bond.

On Monday at 12:30 a.m., first responders found  Close  dead at the apartment on 500 south DuPont Highway.

During the investigation, investigators were able to gather additional evidence that would help to identify the victim’s boyfriend, later identified as Wade Smith, as the suspect. involved in the crime. As a result of information received from the Delaware State Medical Examiner’s Office, detectives learned that the case has been ruled a homicide and that Close  died from an apparent gunshot wound to her upper body.

Smith has been charged with murder in the first degree, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a person prohibited.