Murder Charges Filed In 'Cold Blooded' Delco Killing

CHESTER, PA — Murder, homicide, and related charges have been filed in connection with that Delaware County authorities called a "cold blooded" murder in Chester back in 2020.

Champion Hough, 25, of Brookhaven, is charged with criminal homicide, murder in the first, second, and third degrees, theft, and firearm crimes in connection with the Oct. 6, 2020, killing 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 morning of Oct. 7, 2020.

On that day, Chester City Police received a report of a female down on the walking trail near the waterfront.

The victim was pronounced dead at the scene and identified as Ismail.

Investigators spoke with a witness who said Ismail was in a relationship with a man known to them as "Mecca" and "Wayne."

The witness aid they spoke with Ismail at about 8:40 p.m. Oct. 6, 2020 and said the Ismail drove a 2006 gold Chrysler 300.

Additionally, the witness was shown a photo array and identified Hough as "Mecca," authorities said.

Investigators determined that at the time of the Ismail's death, Hough was living on East 12th Street in Eddystone.

Surveillance video showed Hough got into Ismail's vehicle at 8:45 p.m. on the night of her death, authorities said.

The witness identified the person getting into Ismail's car as the individual known to them as "Mecca," according to authorities.

Investigators performed a forensic review of Ismail's phone, which contained multiple message between her and Hough shortly before her death, authorities said.

Ismail'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 Nov. 10, 2021, a DNA sample was obtained from Hough, and subsequent analysis determined that DNA evidence from Hough was consistent with the DNA evidence recovered from Ismail's vehicle.

Hough is incarcerated at SCI Phoenix on a parole violation, and arrangements are underway to transport him to Delaware County for arraignment.

"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," Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer said. "The arrest of the defendant is the result 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."