Steven L. Brown, a man known affectionately by family as “Lil Steve” and to his friends as “200,” was a devoted father, son, and brother whose life was cut short on the eve of Thanksgiving in 2014. Born in Wilmington, Delaware, on September 13, 1974, the 40-year-old Black man was a dedicated employee at Prince Mineral for over nine years and was well-loved by his colleagues. A true family man, Steven cherished gatherings and often took the lead in hosting and cooking, proudly claiming his fried fish and potatoes were the best. He shared a special, indescribable bond with his mother and his four sons, Steven Jr., SaQuan, Zykere, and Ayden. His loved ones remember him as a "smooth dude" with a convincing smile, who enjoyed fishing with his sons, watching TV, and traveling.
The night before Thanksgiving, on Wednesday, November 26, 2014, tragedy struck.
At approximately 7:24 p.m., officers from the New Castle County Division of Police were dispatched to Bellwoode Drive in the Bristol Place Townhouses community in Newark, following reports of a shooting. When they arrived, they discovered Steven in the parking area near his home at 19 North Bellwoode Drive. He had sustained multiple gunshot wounds. Emergency responders rushed him to Christiana Hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
The investigation into Steven Brown's homicide began immediately, led by the New Castle County Division of Police. In the initial stages, authorities did not release information about a possible motive or any potential suspects. It remained unclear whether Steven was targeted or if the shooting was the result of a sudden confrontation. Investigators have not publicly disclosed details about any witnesses, surveillance footage, or evidence recovered from the scene in the Bristol Place Townhouses parking lot.
In the years following his death, Steven's case grew cold. With no arrests made and no suspects publicly identified, the investigation was eventually assigned to the New Castle County Division of Police's Cold Case Homicide Squad. This unit is tasked with re-examining unsolved murders, hoping that new technologies or fresh tips might lead to a breakthrough. The department has emphasized that victims and their families are not forgotten and that they continue to work toward a resolution in each case.
Family and friends mourned their profound loss. A visitation was held on the evening of December 5, 2014, at the Chapel of Evan W. Smith Funeral Services in Wilmington. A second viewing took place the following morning, Saturday, December 6, at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in New Castle, followed by a service celebrating his life. Steven was laid to rest at Gracelawn Memorial Park. His memory is cherished by his mother, Noretta Brown-Coleman, his four sons, and his siblings, who remember him as the one they could turn to for advice or a "real talk" session.
As of November 2025, Steven Brown's murder remains unsolved. On the eleventh anniversary of his death, the New Castle County Police issued a renewed public appeal for information. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been named in connection with the shooting. The case continues to be an active cold case investigation.
Authorities urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. A reward of up to $5,000 is available through Delaware Crime Stoppers for anonymous tips that lead to an arrest. Anyone with information is asked to contact the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit at 302-395-8110 or via email at [email protected]. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-TIP-3333 or through their website.
