Still no Wilmington murders in 2009

Wilmington Police Chief Ralph Evangelous doesn’t want to jinx himself, but he’s happy to report there have been no murders in Wilmington so far this year.

This time last year, there had already been eight murders and there was a total of 13 in 2008.

The Chief attributes a few things. He said officers are targeting felons with guns to get them off the streets, and the work of the WPD’s Marshal’s Task Force and FBI Gang Task Force, as well as cooperation with the DEA, have been a big help.

“We’re hoping this is a sign of things to come, so it’s been an interesting five and a half months because nobody can remember five and a half months and not having a murder,” Chief Evangelous said.

The Chief said he would like to have no murders by the end of 2009, but understands that’s unlikely. He said his department will continue to work hard to prevent them.