Kwantae Jamar “Tator” Hovington, a 28-year-old Black/African American male from Seaford, Delaware, was killed on Saturday, January 23, 2021, inside the Mobile Gardens community. In the early morning hours, around 6:40 a.m., Delaware State Police were sent to Park Circle after a reported shooting. When troopers arrived, they found Hovington suffering from a gunshot wound.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The shooting unfolded at a residence in Seaford, and later reporting from a community vigil said family members believed Hovington had been inside his home with his infant daughter, Khari Jhene’ Hovington, and her mother, Sha’Mya Elizabeth Edwards, when he was shot. Family members at the vigil said robbery may have been a motive, though Delaware State Police did not publicly confirm a motive while the investigation was active.
Hovington’s death left a large circle of relatives and friends grieving. He was remembered as a father, companion, son, brother, uncle, cousin and friend who was deeply devoted to his newborn daughter. Loved ones described him as family-oriented and hardworking. His obituary said he had worked at several local businesses, including Sposato Lawn Care, Grotto Pizza at the Tanger Outlets, Mountaire Farms, and Allen’s Hatchery, and that he had recently started his own lawn care business, Miscellaneous Men Lawn Care.
Before his death, Hovington had been known in the Cape Henlopen community as a 2010 graduate and two-sport athlete. He played basketball and football, including positions such as point guard, running back, linebacker and wide receiver. He also had roots in youth football with the Cape Sharks. Friends and family remembered other parts of his life too: his love of fishing, crabbing, cooking seafood gumbo, sneakers, four-wheelers, the Baltimore Ravens and Kobe Bryant.
About 200 family members and friends gathered in West Rehoboth in early February 2021 for a candlelight service in his memory. The gathering was filled with grief, but also with stories, faith and support for his family. His mother, Niniya Jean Hovington, was supported by family as she addressed the crowd, and his grandmother, companion, relatives and friends were among those present to honor him.
Delaware State Police publicly identified Hovington as the victim on January 25, 2021, and said the case remained an active homicide investigation. Investigators asked anyone with information to contact Detective Brian McDerby of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit or provide tips through Delaware Crime Stoppers. Based on the available online reporting reviewed, no suspect name, arrest, criminal charge, trial, plea or conviction was publicly reported in connection with Hovington’s killing.
