Delaware man accused of butchering three people in knife attack, police said

Three people were fatally stabbed, and another was injured in a knife attack in an upscale Delaware neighborhood, police said.

Now, a suspect has been arrested and charged.

New Castle County police were dispatched to the 300 block of Camerton Lane for a report of an injured person yelling for help around 4 p.m. on Dec. 3. Officers found a 68-year-old man on the front steps with multiple stab wounds.

Inside the home, officers found a 61-year-old woman, a 53-year-old woman and a 19-year-old man who all died from their injuries, according to the New Castle County Police.

Officers determined the suspect fled in the victim's red pick-up truck and identified the attacker as 40-year-old Donald Grier Jr. Police found Grier and tried to stop his vehicle, but he fled.

Grier reportedly struck several other vehicles, including a police vehicle, before coming to a stop. Authorities placed Grier into custody and took him to a local area hospital for minor injuries.

Grier was released from the hospital and transported to police headquarters, where he was charged with three counts of felony first-degree murder, one count of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of felony first-degree reckless endangering, one count of felony possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony and one count of misdemeanor criminal mischief.

Neighbors said they didn’t know much about the victims. One witness described them as “very quiet people,” and another called them “loud and obnoxious,” according to DelawareOnline.com.

Grier has a criminal record and was on probation at the time of the alleged attack. He also had outstanding warrants when he was arrested, according to FirstStateUpdate.com.

Grier and his father, Donald Grier Sr., were accused of robbing construction sites in Lewes, Delaware, and Harbeson, Delaware, in May 2020. Both were charged with counts of burglary, trespassing and theft, according to Delaware State Police.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victims involved in yesterday’s tragedy on Camerton Lane.” New Castle County Police Col. Joseph Bloch said in a statement.

“I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the efforts our officers, paramedics, and other First Responders in aiding the victims and apprehending the offender so quickly. Their ability to remain focused on the task at hand, after witnessing such a horrific event does not go unnoticed by me or the public. My thanks go out to all our public safety partners in law enforcement, EMS, and the fire service who assisted us with this incident.”