$10,000 reward offered in murder investigation

6:09 p.m., May 4, 2005--Newark Police are asking for the public's help in finding the suspect in a home invasion robbery that might be linked to the murder of sophomore Lindsey Bonistall in her off-campus apartment early Sunday, May 1.

Police released a composite sketch of the suspect in the home invasion robbery that occurred in the 200 block of West Park Place around 1:15 a.m., Saturday, April 30. A man--described as 5 feet, 5 inches, to 5 feet, 8 inches tall, in his late 20s, with a stocky build and wearing a hoody or jacket and a wool cap--forcibly entered the home and confronted a 27-year-old female UD graduate student. The suspect demanded money, the victim gave him an undisclosed amount of cash and he fled the residence. The victim was not injured.

Police also released copies of surveillance video shot inside the ATM vestibule of the Wilmington Trust bank on Elkton Road that shows a man in a hoody trying to withdraw cash at 4:18 a.m. using a bank card stolen during that robbery.

Video still of suspect at Wilmington Trust ATM

Eric Schwab, owner of Towne Court apartments, where Ms. Bonistall was strangled and her apartment set on fire, offered $10,000 for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the killer.

“Recently developed leads have shed light on the search for the offender and have given investigators confidence that this homicide and other possibly related crimes will soon be resolved,” Gerald Conway, Newark Police chief, said. “Newark Police believe there are persons in the community who hold key information related to the homicide and to all the recent criminal activities.”

Police also are looking for an elderly man and woman wearing a hat who were stopped at a red light on West Park Place at Elkton Road shortly after 1 a.m. Saturday, April 30. Police said an officer driving by saw a man who fit the robbery suspect’s description standing near the car and apparently speaking to the couple. Investigators hope the couple can offer useful information.

UD offers support to students affected by tragedy

William Nefosky, Newark Police captain, said investigators were still trying to determine if there is a link between the first home invasion robbery and the murder and arson, which happened within a short distance of each other.

Newark Police Captain William Nefosky

Ms. Bonistall’s body was discovered hours after an arson fire that was reported at 2:49 a.m., Sunday, May 1.

“Newark is a very safe place to live. I know we’ve had problems in the past, but, overall, at least in my two decades of police service here, crimes like these are very rare in Newark. Obviously, people are going to be upset, but I just urge residents to remain calm,” Nefosky said.

Nefosky said extra police patrols in the area will continue until the end of the academic year. UD’s Public Safety also has increased night patrols throughout the Newark campus.

Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call the Newark Police tip line at (302) 366-7110, ext. 137.

Article by Martin Mbugua
Photos by Kathy Atkinson

Editor's note: This article was updated at 5:10 p.m., May 5.

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