Media, PA – Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer announced charges today against Champion Hough, 25, of Brookhaven, in connection with the October 6, 2020, murder of Naima Ishmail, 25. The victim’s body was found on the walking trail located at Front and Norris streets near the waterfront in Chester City. The defendant has been charged with criminal homicide, murder of the first, second, and third degree, as well as theft and related firearms charges.
“Prior to this cold blooded murder, the defendant and his victim were engaged in an intimate relationship. On the night of her murder, and clearly unaware of what was to come, the victim drove to the defendant’s home and picked him up. From there, she drove to the riverfront spot where he promptly executed her. This was a premeditated, heinous act of violence,” said District Attorney Stollsteimer. He continued “The arrest of the defendant is the result of painstaking and thorough police work, combined with critical witness cooperation. By utilizing all the tools available to us – including video surveillance, an analysis of text messages, DNA evidence, gunshot residue analysis – we are able to state confidently that we have charged the right individual with this young woman’s brutal murder.”
On the morning of October 7, 2020, Chester City Police received a report of a female down on the walking trail near the waterfront. Upon the arrival of medical personnel, the victim was pronounced deceased, the result of a gunshot wound to her head. The victim was identified as Naima Ismail. Investigators spoke with an individual identified as Witness #1, who stated that the victim had been in a relationship with an individual known to them as “Mecca”, also known as “Wayne.” Witness #1 stated that they had last spoken with the victim at approximately 8:40 pm on October 6, 2020. Witness #1 also indicated that the victim operated a 2006 gold Chrysler 300. Witness #1 was shown a photo array and positively identified the defendant as “Mecca.” Investigators determined that at the time of the murder the defendant was residing on E. 12th Street in Eddystone. Surveillance video revealed that the defendant entered the victim’s vehicle at 8:45 pm on the night of the murder. Witness #1 was able to identify the individual entering the victim’s car as the individual known to them as “Mecca.” Investigators performed a forensic review of the victim’s phone, which contained multiple message between the victim and the defendant shortly before her murder. The victim’s car was recovered in Chester City and processed for forensic evidence, including DNA, fingerprints and gunshot residue. Lab reports confirmed the existence of residue on the steering wheel and the gearshift. On November 10, 2021, a DNA sample was obtained from the defendant, and subsequent analysis determined that DNA evidence from the defendant was consistent with the DNA evidence recovered from the victim’s vehicle.
The defendant is currently incarcerated at SCI Phoenix on a parole violation. Arrangements are underway to transport him to Delaware County for arraignment.
“I want to express my appreciation to Chester Police Department Detective Michael Canfield and Detective Daniel McFarland of the Criminal Investigation Division, both of whom played a critical role in solving this heinous crime,” said Stollsteimer. “I also want to thank Deputy District Attorney Matt Krouse for his invaluable assistance in ensuring that this defendant is held to account for his actions.”
CRIMINAL CHARGES, AND ANY DISCUSSION THEREOF, ARE ALLEGATIONS AND ALL DEFENDANTS ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNLESS AND UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.
The District Attorney and the Criminal Investigations Division remind anyone in Delaware County who observes suspicious activity to call 911 immediately and provide the most specific and accurate details possible to assist law enforcement agencies investigating the call for service.
For more information contact Margie McAboy, Public Information Officer, Delaware County District Attorney’s Office, 610-579-0429.