Christopher Gillis

Christopher Gillis, known to his friends as "Gunny," was a father remembered for his loyalty and kindness. Those who knew the 26-year-old Black man described him as a "loyal and real" and "kind, stand up guy," who was "loving and giving when he could be." His life was cut short by an act of violence that began on a summer evening in 2014 and ended with his death just over a year later, leaving behind a grieving family and a case that continues to puzzle investigators.

On the evening of Saturday, June 7, 2014, Christopher was outside the Alder Park Apartments at 51 Webbs Lane in Dover, Delaware. Witnesses later told police that an altercation broke out between Christopher and another individual near Building DD of the complex. The argument escalated with shocking speed, and the other person produced a gun, firing multiple shots at Christopher. The shooter then fled the scene, leaving Christopher gravely wounded. The reason for the initial dispute has never been publicly disclosed by authorities.

First responders arrived at the apartment complex, a sprawling residential area in the state's capital. Christopher was rushed to a local hospital before being transferred to Christiana Hospital in Newark for more advanced care due to the severity of his multiple gunshot wounds. For more than a year, he fought to recover from the devastating injuries he sustained in the attack. Despite medical efforts, Christopher succumbed to his injuries and passed away at the hospital on June 30, 2015.

The Delaware State Police opened a homicide investigation, cataloged under case number 03-14-026011. Detectives with the Homicide Unit began piecing together the events of that night, relying on witness statements that confirmed a confrontation preceded the gunfire. However, the identity of the person who argued with and ultimately shot Christopher Gillis has remained elusive. No suspects have ever been publicly named, and no arrests have been made in connection with the murder.

In the years since Christopher’s death, his case has grown cold. It is now featured on the Delaware State Police's list of unsolved homicides for Kent County. His friends and family have been left without answers or justice. Online, loved ones have lit hundreds of virtual candles in his memory, leaving messages like "Gone but never forgotten" and "Ima miss you bro." These small tributes paint a picture of a young man who was loved and whose absence is deeply felt by his community.

The investigation into the murder of Christopher Gillis remains open but inactive, pending new information. As of September 2021, his case was still listed among the state's unsolved killings. Detectives continue to hope that someone with knowledge of the altercation or the identity of the shooter will come forward. The Delaware State Police Homicide Cold Case Unit urges anyone with information to contact them at 302-739-5939. Anonymous tips can also be provided to Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333.