A Delaware man shot and killed a motorcyclist in a road rage incident, state police said. William Simpler Jr., 28, of Saint Georges, Delaware, is accused of shooting and killing Jason Paoletti, 46, of Bear, Delaware. The incident occurred on Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026, around 1:30 p.m. Police said Paoletti was riding his motorcycle behind a Hyundai Elantra in the area of Salem Church Road and Old Baltimore Pike in Newark, Delaware. After the driver of the Hyundai stopped at the intersection for a red light, Paoletti pulled his motorcycle in front of the vehicle, according to investigators. The driver of the Hyundai then pulled up alongside Paoletti, state police said. Simpler, who was the front seat passenger inside the Hyundai, then began to argue with Paoletti, according to officials. Police said Paoletti then got off his motorcycle and began to reach into his saddlebag. Simpler then pulled out a gun and opened fire, shooting Paoletti, according to investigators. The Hyundai then fled the scene, police said. Paoletti was taken to the hospital where he was later pronounced dead. After identifying Simpler as the suspect in the shooting, detectives responded to his home where he was taken into custody. Simpler is charged with murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. He was arraigned and committed to the Delaware Department of Correction on a $1.5 million cash bond. If you or someone you know is the victim or witness of a crime or has lost a loved one to a sudden death, contact the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You can also email the Victim Services Unit at [email protected]. ...read more read less