A high-speed incident involving an overdue U-Haul truck ended in tragedy on the streets of Newark, Delaware, leaving one University of Delaware student dead and seven others injured.

According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Gordon Turner, 22, faces multiple charges, including murder, after allegedly striking and killing Marina Vasconcelos, a 24-year-old graduate student, while fleeing from police in a stolen U-Haul truck on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.

The incident began when Newark Police located an unauthorized U-Haul van that should have been returned on March 18. Officers discovered the vehicle parked in a shopping center on East Main Street's 200 block around 3:50 p.m. When Turner and a passenger returned to the van about 45 minutes later, police attempted to make an arrest.

Deadly chain of events unfolds on Main Street

Turner allegedly drove over a curb and struck a police vehicle while escaping onto East Main Street at high speed. Following department protocol, officers chose not to pursue the fleeing vehicle. The decision aimed to prevent further endangerment to public safety, but tragedy struck moments later.

Speeding westbound on East Main Street near Haines Street, Turner lost control of the U-Haul. The vehicle struck two pedestrians on the north side before colliding with several parked cars. The impact triggered a chain reaction, pushing parked vehicles into a third pedestrian.

The crash finally ended when the U-Haul came to rest in front of the post office at East Main Street and Center Street. Emergency responders arrived to find Vasconcelos dead at the scene, while another 24-year-old graduate student suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Suspect's criminal history spans multiple states

University of Delaware Vice President José-Luis Riera shared students' growing concerns about safety:

I can tell you that from the testimonies from our students, they are scared. They are scared about walking on Main Street, and that is hardly the type of environment we want at the university and I know that is not the environment that the city of Newark or the state of Delaware wants for any of us here.

Investigation revealed Turner as a fugitive wanted in Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. In February 2025, Maryland authorities issued a warrant for his arrest after he failed to appear at a court hearing for an illegal gun possession case. Turner had previously pleaded guilty to those charges.

University community demands safety improvements

A memorial quickly appeared at the crash site, with signs calling for enhanced safety measures along Main Street. This marks the second pedestrian death involving a fleeing suspect on this stretch of road since August 2024, when a motorcyclist struck and killed a freshman student.

Newark Mayor Travis McDermott addressed the recurring issue of suspects fleeing from law enforcement, noting such incidents occur daily across Delaware.

The University of Delaware announced plans to accelerate ongoing discussions with state officials about traffic safety improvements along Main Street.

The deceased victim, Marina Vasconcelos, was pursuing her Ph.D. in chemistry at the university. Friends remember her vibrant personality and love for dogs, while coworkers of her fiancé confirmed she originally came from New Jersey.

Criminal proceedings and ongoing investigation

Gordon Turner faces multiple serious charges, including murder during the commission of a felony, murder with reckless conduct showing indifference to human life, assault creating a risk of death or serious injury, disregarding police signals, and marijuana possession exceeding personal use quantities. His passenger was detained but has not been charged.

The tragic incident closed East Main Street for approximately five hours as investigators processed the scene. Newark Police continue gathering evidence and urge anyone with information to contact Corporal Jon Lee.

Meanwhile, the university community mourns the loss of a promising young scientist while demanding immediate action to prevent future tragedies on Main Street.

Lessons to Learn From This Tragedy

1. Awareness and Vigilance: Always be aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy or known high-risk areas.

2. Community and Safety: Engage in community safety initiatives and support local efforts to enhance public infrastructure and law enforcement protocols.

3. Support Systems: Foster strong support systems within the community to aid in both prevention of and recovery from such tragedies.

No preventative measure can guarantee absolute safety, as crime can be unpredictable and affect anyone.

Why This Story Matters

This tragic incident underscores the essential need for holistic approaches to community, road, and law enforcement safety. Equally, it serves as a harsh reminder of the consequences of crime, not only on the victims but also on the broader societal fabric. This event not only affects those directly involved but also casts a long shadow over community sentiment and safety perceptions, warranting urgent and substantial responses from all stakeholders.

In recapitulation, the fatal event on April 29, catalyzed by a stolen U-Haul and resulting in significant loss and trauma, highlights critical areas needing immediate attention and action within the Newark community. The repercussions of this incident continue to ripple through the local society, insisting on a renewed focus on safety, justice, and community resilience.