Petya V. Novakova, 31, a White/Caucasian woman from Newark, Delaware, was killed inside a home on the unit block of Leader Drive in the Newark Oaks community in the early hours of September 21, 2023. Police received a call about 12:43 a.m. after a wounded man contacted 911 saying he had been shot inside the residence and that the shooter remained there. Officers found one injured survivor outside or accessible to police and the scene active and dangerous.

Investigators said a 34-year-old man arrived home, confronted Novakova and her guest, and opened fire with a handgun, striking both. Novakova was found inside and pronounced dead at the scene; the surviving man was taken to Christiana Medical Center in stable condition. Officers reported seeing the suspect armed through a first-floor window; he fired toward officers and an officer returned fire. SWAT and crisis negotiators responded, negotiators were unable to establish contact, and SWAT entered to rescue the victims and secure the home. The suspect was later located dead inside with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police characterized the case as an apparent murder-suicide and the investigation remained active while evidence, including the officer-involved exchange, was reviewed. A fundraiser was created to assist with funeral costs and care for Novakova’s two pugs, Sofia and Leo.

Does anyone who knew Petya or was in the Newark Oaks area that night have information that could help investigators?