Derrick DeWayne Combs, a 39-year-old Black man from Dover, Delaware, was shot dead on the grounds of Towne Point Elementary School at 629 Buckson Drive late on August 28, 2018. Police were dispatched about 9:58 p.m. after reports of gunfire and found Combs with multiple gunshot wounds; the medical examiner testified he sustained wounds to his head, chest and abdomen. No students were present because the shooting occurred after hours, and investigators said the violence did not appear random.

The confrontation was linked to Rodney West, a custodian who worked at the school. Evidence and testimony at trial described flirtatious and sexually suggestive text messages between West and Combs’ wife, which Combs discovered and which reportedly escalated tensions. West acknowledged shooting Combs four times but said he acted in self-defense. He was arrested in Maryland, returned to Delaware, and charged with first-degree murder and related firearms offenses.

West’s trial began in October 2019. Prosecutors argued the dispute over the messages led to an intentional killing; the defense claimed self-defense after alleged threats and harassment. On November 7, 2019, a jury acquitted West of first-degree murder, the firearm felony count and all lesser homicide charges. The verdict meant no homicide conviction was returned in Combs’ death.

If anyone knew Derrick Combs, his movements that night, or has information about the confrontation outside the school, please share what is known.