3 Dead in Shooting at Del. Courthouse

Suspect among the dead; apparent target was his ex
By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff
Posted Feb 11, 2013 8:57 AM CST
Updated Feb 11, 2013 10:51 AM CST
Man Opens Fire at Delaware Courthouse
Police stand outside the New Castle County Courthouse, Monday morning, Feb. 11, 2013 in WIlmington, Del., after a man killed his estranged wife and two others at the courthouse.   (AP Photo/The News Journal/William Bretzger)

A gunman opened fire at a courthouse in Wilmington, Del., this morning, initiating a shootout with police officers in the lobby before he passed through metal detectors. The incident left at least three people dead—two women and the shooter himself—and at least two officers wounded, the Delaware News Journal reports. One of those killed was the shooter's estranged wife, Wilmington's mayor tells the AP, though police have not confirmed that detail.

Police identified the gunman as David Matusiewicz, a man in his mid-40s who was due in court for proceedings to modify his child support payments for his three children, My Fox Philly reports. It's unclear whether police killed Matusiewicz or he took his own life. A police sergeant described the situation as "dynamic," saying police were conducting a precautionary security sweep of the entire courthouse. (More shooting stories.)

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