Selbyville, February 4, 2026
A man from Selbyville has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder after the body of his 71-year-old female family member was found in a ditch. The incident occurred following an altercation on February 2, when family members discovered the victim after being unable to contact her. Jesus Palacio-Hernandez, 28, was taken into custody and is being held on a $1,000,000 cash bond.
Selbyville, Delaware
A Selbyville man has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a 71-year-old female family member whose body was discovered in a ditch behind a residence. Authorities identified the accused as Jesus Palacio-Hernandez, 28. The arrest occurred following an investigation into the incident that unfolded on February 2, 2026.
Incident Details and Discovery
On February 2, 2026, at approximately 8:30 a.m., Delaware State Police troopers responded to a residence on the 37000 block of Pinto Drive in Selbyville after a family member reported concerns following a troubling phone conversation with Palacio-Hernandez and was unable to locate the victim. While troopers were en route, other family members discovered the 71-year-old woman deceased in a ditch behind the property. Emergency Medical Services confirmed her death at the scene.
Investigation and Arrest
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit assumed the investigation due to the nature of the case. A preliminary investigation revealed that during the overnight hours, Palacio-Hernandez allegedly had an altercation with the victim inside the residence. It is further alleged that he physically assaulted the victim and subsequently moved her body to the ditch where she was later found.
Palacio-Hernandez was located in the Selbyville area and taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop. He was transported to Troop 4, where he was formally charged with Murder First Degree.
Legal Proceedings
Following his arrest, Palacio-Hernandez was arraigned by the Justice of the Peace Court 11. He has been committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who was arrested in connection with the murder?
- Jesus Palacio-Hernandez, 28, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
- What was the victim’s age and relationship to the accused?
- The victim was a 71-year-old female family member of Jesus Palacio-Hernandez.
- Where was the victim found?
- The victim was found deceased in a ditch behind a residence on the 37000 block of Pinto Drive in Selbyville.
- What charges does Jesus Palacio-Hernandez face?
- Jesus Palacio-Hernandez is charged with Murder First Degree.
- What is the current status of Jesus Palacio-Hernandez?
- He has been committed to the Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond.
Key Details of the Incident
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Arrested Individual | Jesus Palacio-Hernandez, 28 |
| Charge | Murder First Degree |
| Victim’s Age | 71 years old |
| Victim’s Relationship | Family member of the accused |
| Location of Incident | Selbyville, Delaware (37000 block of Pinto Drive) |
| Date of Victim Discovery | February 2, 2026 |
| Bond Amount | $1,000,000 cash bond |
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