Donminico Melton

Donminico E. Melton, a 35-year-old Black man known affectionately to friends and family as "Coco," was a fun-loving person who lived his life to the fullest. Remembered for his deep connection to those around him, he enjoyed fishing, playing board games, riding his bike, and traveling. A devoted father, Donminico took great pleasure in attending his children's track races and football games. He was also known for his special love for animals. His sudden and violent death left a void in the lives of his parents, children, sisters, and a large extended family.

In the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 11, 2006, that life was cut short by gunfire. At approximately 12:30 a.m., Wilmington Police officers were dispatched to the 500 block of North Monroe Street following reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they discovered a chaotic scene with three people suffering from gunshot wounds. Donminico was among the injured and was rushed to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. The other two victims were also treated for their wounds.

The investigation into the triple shooting was launched by the Wilmington Police Department. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Division processed the scene on North Monroe Street, searching for evidence and seeking witnesses who might have seen or heard something that could lead to the person or persons responsible. However, the initial phase of the investigation did not lead to any arrests, and as time passed with no new leads, the case grew cold.

Donminico's murder is now classified as a cold case, handled by the Wilmington Police Department's Cold Case Unit, which pursues investigations after initial leads have been exhausted. To date, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting that claimed his life. The motive for the attack also remains unclear. The case remains open, awaiting the new information that could finally deliver justice for Donminico and his family.

In the months following his death, Donminico’s mother, Margaret “Cookie” Melton, channeled her grief into action. Inspired by her loss, she organized a silent "hood march" and peace rally in Wilmington in September 2006. The event, held at Brown Burton Winchester Memorial Park, was intended to promote nonviolence in the community. It drew support from figures like actor Tommy Lister and rapper Beanie Sigel, bringing attention to the persistent issue of gun violence that had taken her son's life.

Donminico's family laid him to rest with a Janazah and Muslim burial in Chester, Pennsylvania, the day after his death, followed by a memorial celebration in Wilmington. He left to cherish his memory his parents, Margaret Melton and Donald E. Melton; his children, Sakura, Donminico Jr., Domonique, and Mya; and two children for whom he was a special father, Daja and Eric. He was also survived by four sisters, his grandmother, his lifelong companion, Jorgina Dennis, and a host of other relatives and friends who continue to await answers. The Wilmington Police Department encourages anyone with information about the murder of Donminico Melton to contact the Cold Case Unit at (302) 576-3937.