Who is Stephen Heck? Boyfriend arrested after 63-year-old Delaware teacher found dead near a parking lot
WILMINGTON, DELAWARE: Stephen Heck, a Delaware man has been charged with the murder of his girlfriend Cynthia Amalfitano, a beloved preschool teacher with over 26 years of service at Concord Preschool.
The 63-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her 66-year-old boyfriend who was arrested after she was reported missing and a week after her body was discovered near a parking lot in Wilmington, reports Law and Crime.
What are the charges against Stephen Heck?
According to the New Castle County Division of Police, Heck was taken into custody on Tuesday, October 3, and has been charged with first-degree murder.
Police responded to a report for a welfare check when the victim did not show up at the school for work on September 25 which was an unusual occurrence for her.
After authorities arrived at Amalfitano's home in Wilmington, they found her cell phone and wallet but there was no sign of the teacher.
"Officers were unable to locate the victim, however, they found her possessions, cell phone, and wallet inside the home. Detectives from the New Castle County Division of Police Criminal Investigations Unit later assumed the investigation," stated police.
"Officers and investigators followed up on multiple tips and conducted property checks for the victim," the statement continued.
The following day, police discovered the victim's body near a parking lot in Carousel Park.
How did investigators conclude Stephen Heck was the person of interest in the crime?
On September 27, authorities determined that Amalfitano's death was a case of homicide with Heck emerging as a person of interest in the crime. On Tuesday, he became the major suspect in the case.
"Following a thorough investigation into the incident, detectives authored a warrant for Stephen’s arrest on October 3, 2023. Heck was taken into custody without incident by detectives from the Special Investigations Squad," stated cops.
Cynthia Amalfitano was a 'creative soul'
Paying tribute to Amalfitano, Joseph Bloch, Chief of Police Col. said his "thoughts are with" the victim's family "during this tragic and difficult time."
"I would also like to commend our Criminal Investigations Unit for gathering enough evidence to take the suspect into custody, providing some measure of solace to the victim’s family," the chief added.
In an obituary for Amalfitano, she was referred to as Cindy. "During the 1990s, she helped at the family shop, Claymont News and Gifts, making floral arrangements. She attended St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church while living in Wilmington. A creative soul, she was a fantastic cook, seamstress, and crafter," read the obituary.
"Cindy also loved animals and took care of her cats, fish, horses, and goats, but nothing brought her more joy than her two dogs, Vaughn and Jingles," it added.