Former Dover High athlete fatally shot Monday night

Esteban Parra
Delaware News Journal

A former Dover High School athlete was found mortally wounded Monday night less than a mile from Delaware's Legislative Hall. 

Dover police said Dazhmier Brooks had been shot in the chest, but did not provide information on why the 19-year-old man had been shot. 

Brooks' killing, the first in Dover this year, drew remarks from the young man's former coaches. 

"Words can't describe the loss I'm feeling right now," Dover high's former football coach Rudy Simonetti tweeted out. "I love all my players, past and present, they are like my own kids. Dazhmier, I love you man, Rest In Peace; you exemplified what it means to be ALL IN. My thoughts and prayers are with the Brooks family."

James Solomon, the high school's track coach, called Dazhmier talented. The teen ran one year during the indoor season.

"He was a talented athlete and a wonderful young man," Solomon said. "I'm lost for words."

Dover officers were dispatched about 9:15 p.m. Monday to the 400 block of Sussex Ave., where they found Brooks wounded and unresponsive, Sgt. Mark Hoffman said.

"Officers rendered aid to Brooks until medical personnel arrived on scene and transported him to Bayhealth Kent General Hospital," Hoffman said. "Brooks later died as a result of his injury."

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Dover Police Department at (302) 736-7130. Callers may remain anonymous. Tips may also be submitted to law enforcement through Delaware CrimeStoppers at (800) TIP-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. A cash reward is possible for information leading to an arrest.

Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.com or Twitter @eparra3.