A murder on July 13 brings Dover's number of homicides to five this year. Jamal Weeks, the 35-year-old victim, was shot in the early morning hours of Monday July 13 on West North Street. Police do not have any suspects thus far. According to video captured at the scene, there were several eye witnesses but, according to a report filed by WBOC 16, witnesses have not been cooperative in the investigation.
Clearly five homicides in less than seven months is a major concern; in recent years there have been less than four each year and most years have seen one or two. However, the lack of cooperation with police as they conduct their investigation also indicates a larger problem. Why are witnesses unwilling to help the police identify the potential suspect? Do they fear reprisals? Do they mistrust the police? These are potentially larger issues that will linger even if an arrest is made soon.