A Wilmington, DE, court sentenced Timothy Thomas to 25 years for a fatal shooting at a Wilmington auto repair shop in 2020, resolving four other criminal cases.
The incident, which claimed the life of 37-year-old Andre Hickson, unfolded July 6, 2020. According to the Delaware Department of Justice, during the argument near the 800 block of E. 13th St., Thomas discharged a firearm at Hickson, striking him in the chest. Hickson was promptly taken to a local hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Thomas was already in custody when he was indicted in 2022 on charges of first-degree murder and two counts related to firearm offenses. In a subsequent legal proceeding, he entered a plea of guilty to second-degree murder in October and received his sentence in January.
"When you commit a crime with a gun, you become our first priority," said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. She commended the collaborative effort between the state's legal team and the Wilmington Police Department in securing this outcome, hoping it would bring solace to the victim's family.
Wilmington Police Chief Wilfredo Campos also reflected on the case's resolution, highlighting the diligent work of detectives and the effective partnership with prosecutors that led to the conviction. Campos emphasized the significance of the lengthy prison sentence as a testament to the justice system's commitment to upholding justice for victims and holding violent offenders accountable for their actions.
