Michael Manley

Case record

Background

In 1994, Stevenson was employed by Macy's Department Store in the Christiana Mall. While employed at Macy's, Stevenson used customers' creditcard information to issue false gift certificates. Macy's security department employees, Parminder Chona (“Chona”) and Kristopher Heath (“Heath”), investigated the matter. Stevenson was subsequently charged with theft and the matter was scheduled for trial in the Superior Court.

The offence

On the morning of November 13, 1995, Heath was murdered in the parking lot of his residence at the Cavalier Country Club Apartments. Heath was shot inthe back five times with a nine-millimeter handgun. The murder occurred on the same morning that Heath was to testify against Stevenson at his criminal trial.

On the evening prior to the Stevenson's scheduled court date, a black male wearing a long puffy black jacket knocked on the door to Heath's residence. His fiancée, Deborah Dorsey, answered. Dorsey informed the male that Heath was not home and the individual departed. Dorsey called Heath to tell him about the incident and that she was frightened. She also noted that the individual was not Stevenson, as she would have recognized him from her employment at Macy's.

Investigation

Several residents at the apartment complex called the police after hearing the gunfire. One resident, Lance Thompson, informed the police that he observed a black male run to and enter a mid-sized blue vehicle with faded and peeling paint. Thompson saw the license plate number and gave it to the police.

At this time, Patrolman Daniel Meadows of the New Castle County Police broadcast the license plate number and vehicle description over the police radio.

It was soon discovered that the license plate was registered to Stevenson and his mother at 206 West 20 Street in Wilmington, Delaware.

Wilmington Police arrived in two squad cars at 206 W. 20th Street. The officers saw a car fitting the description given by Meadows arrive at the same time with two black men inside. The passengers started to exit the vehicle but reentered after observing the approaching officers.

The suspects drove away with the patrolcars in pursuit. After a short chase, the suspects fled on foot and were taken into custody.

The occupants of the vehicle were Manley and Stevenson. Manley matched the description of the shooter given by many eyewitnesses.

After Stevenson was apprehended and brought to police headquarters, police searched the patrol carused to transport him. On the floor was a slip of paper with the name, address and phone number of Chona, the other Macy's employee who investigated Stevenson for the theft along with Heath.

Arrest

The suspects fled on foot and were taken into custody.

Sentencing

Michael R. Manley (DOB: 07/29/1974; Race: Black; Gender: Male) was convicted of Murder 1st.

Michael R. Manley was sentenced to death on 02/03/2006.

Appeals

The Supreme Court of the State of Delaware opinion 214-2000 opinion 75/82-2006 is referenced, along with the United States Court of Appeals opinion 05-1088.

Other details

• The case record references: Offense: Murder 1st.
• Date of Offense: 11/13/1995.