Salisbury Man Sentenced to 14 Years in Prison for Targeting and Shooting into the Wrong Home, Leaving an Innocent Woman Injured

A Salisbury, Maryland, man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for a 2022 shooting in Felton, Delaware, that injured a woman.

Jared Hopkins, 28, received a sentence of 55 years, suspended after 14 years for decreasing levels of supervision, on August 13, 2025. This follows his guilty plea on April 29 to charges of Assault in the First Degree, Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, and Reckless Endangering in the First Degree.

On October 1, 2022, Hopkins fired two shots from a privately made, modified automatic firearm into an occupied home in Felton, Delaware. A 34-year-old woman, who was inside with her husband and three children, was struck by a bullet and seriously injured. She has since recovered.

An investigation by the Delaware State Police revealed that Hopkins had targeted the wrong house, mistakenly believing it was occupied by someone who had previously robbed him.

"This was senseless, reckless, and needless," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "The defendant's disregard for the safety of others could have easily turned fatal-as it stands this family is already traumatized. I want to express my gratitude for the phenomenal work of the Delaware State Police and our team to ensure accountability and justice for the victims."

Colonel William D. Crotty, Superintendent of the Delaware State Police, also commented on the case. "This act of violence deeply traumatized an innocent family and could have easily ended in tragedy," said Colonel Crotty. "The victim was a mother spending time with her children at home when she was senselessly shot. No one should ever have to experience that kind of terror. Thanks to the tireless work of our detectives and the strong partnership with the Department of Justice, the person responsible has been held accountable. Protecting families and pursuing justice for victims is at the core of our shared mission."