CORRECTION: Prior story misreported Downing’s criminal history

By Linda Cicoira

In a recent article 45-year-old Deitrick Rozelle Downing, a local chef, was granted a secured bond. The man was being held on charges of possession of a gun by a felon and of being a parent or guardian who failed to care for a toddler in a manner so gross, wanton, and culpable as to show a total disregard for human life. The crimes allegedly occurred on Dec. 15, 2025. While on probation, he failed six recent drug tests. When officers arrived at his house with a search warrant, they found him in bed with a toddler, an infant, and a loaded gun.

The article incorrectly stated that Downing had previous convictions of robbery and abduction. Shore Daily News regrets the error.

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