Beth Stefanide-Miscichowski says it is time for a change in the Delaware County District Attorney’s office, and the county’s crime statistics prove it.
The Republican candidate for DA issued a statement Tuesday drawing attention to the number of murders committed in Delaware County last year.
“In 2022 – the last full year for which there is data – there were more homicides in Delaware County than in Chester County, Montgomery County, and Bucks County combined,” said Stefanide-Miscichowski. “According to the Uniform Crime Report (UCR), there were 45 murders and non-negligent manslaughter cases in Delaware County in 2022, versus 44 combined for all the other counties.”
Stefanide-Miscichowski, a former assistant district attorney now in private practice, added, “Public safety in our county has collapsed since DA Jack Stollsteimer took office in 2020.”
“Every day, we see headlines about crimes that shock our communities and consciences, from thefts and robberies to carjackings and homicides. DA Stollsteimer has shown that his priorities are political and ideological – not pragmatic and results-focused. Since 2020, the county justice system he runs has gone from supporting law enforcement, denouncing crime, and advocating punishment for offenders to one that supports criminals, allows them out on low or no bail, and reduces the prison population by one-third. Is it any surprise violent crime is skyrocketing?”
Asked for his response, Stollsteimer, a Democrat running for a second term, downplayed the issue.
“As everyone in local law enforcement knows, Delaware County always has a higher homicide rate than the other suburban counties,” said Stollsteimer. “In fact, for each of the last 10 years – no matter who was the DA or what their party registration – Delco has reported more homicides than its sister suburbs.”
Stefanide-Miscichowski, however, said it is time for solutions, not excuses.
“Mark my words – if change does not come soon, Delco will be a shell of what we have always known it to be – a safe place to own a home, raise your family, and thrive in a community. On November 7th, we must vote like our lives and the lives of those we love depend on it. They do. Vote for your neighbor who had their house broken into. Vote for your coworker who had their car stolen. Vote for the coffee shop you visit every morning that was robbed. Vote for the teenager in Upper Darby who was murdered earlier this year and whose killer still remains at large.
“A vote for all of them is a vote for the leadership and accountability I will bring to the Delaware County DA’s office on my very first day in office. The time for change is now,” she said.
