A 17-year-old from Laurel, Delaware, lost his life after what investigators say was a planned drug transaction that turned deadly at a Seaford boat ramp last week.
Delaware State Police have identified the victim as Jacob Rinier Jr. and have since arrested one suspect while actively searching for a second.
On the evening of May 21, 2026, at around 8:45 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the 24000 block of German Road in Seaford following reports of a vehicle crash.
When they arrived, they found Rinier Jr. behind the wheel suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency lifesaving efforts were immediately started at the scene, but despite those efforts, Rinier Jr. was transported to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries.
A juvenile male passenger who was also inside the vehicle was taken to the hospital as a precaution, evaluated by medical staff, and released.
As investigators began piecing together what happened, a clearer and more troubling picture emerged.
Detectives learned that Rinier Jr. had arranged to meet two Seaford residents, 19-year-old Omar Vidro-Pacheco and 19-year-old Darrin West, at the Concord Pond boat ramp that evening for a drug transaction. During the meetup, West reportedly pulled out a handgun and pointed it directly into the vehicle.
As Rinier Jr. attempted to drive away, West fired the weapon, striking him. While traveling down German Road trying to escape, Rinier Jr. lost consciousness and crashed.
Suspect Arrested at Scene, Second Remains Wanted
When troopers arrived at the Concord Pond boat ramp where the shooting took place, they located a Hyundai Sonata registered to Vidro-Pacheco in the parking lot. Shortly after, a male subject was spotted standing across the street from the area.
Troopers identified him as Vidro-Pacheco and took him into custody without any further incident.
Vidro-Pacheco was transported to Troop 5, where he was charged with Murder First Degree, Attempt to Commit Robbery First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Conspiracy First Degree.
He was arraigned through the Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $1,126,000 cash bond.
West, however, has not been located. An arrest warrant has been obtained charging him with the same four felony offenses. Delaware State Police have publicly released a wanted poster with West’s photo and are urging anyone who knows his whereabouts to come forward immediately.
Detectives are asking the public to contact Detective B. McDerby at 302-741-2821 with any information related to the case or West’s location.
Tips can also be submitted through a private message to the Delaware State Police Facebook page or by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-847-3333.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Rinier Jr.’s death. Anyone impacted by this tragedy or in need of support can reach the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit around the clock by calling 1-800-842-8461.
All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
