SELBYVILLE, DE — Delaware State Police have arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the murder of a family member.
Jesus Palacio-Hernandez was taken into custody Feb. 2, 2026, following the discovery of a 71-year-old woman’s body behind a residence on the 37000 block of Pinto Drive.
Troopers responded to the scene at approximately 8:30 a.m. after family members found the victim in a ditch and contacted 9-1-1.
The family member had been unable to locate the victim following a concerning phone conversation with Palacio-Hernandez.
Emergency Medical Services confirmed the woman was deceased at the scene.
Palacio-Hernandez was located in the Selbyville area and taken into custody without incident during a traffic stop.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation due to the nature of the incident.
The preliminary investigation revealed that Palacio-Hernandez had an altercation with the victim inside the residence during the overnight hours.
He physically assaulted the victim and then moved her body to a ditch, according to police.
Palacio-Hernandez was taken to Troop 4 and charged with first-degree murder.
He was arraigned by Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on $1,000,000 cash bond.
