Delaware State Police Homicide Unit Continues Investigation into 2019 Murder of Susan Ledyard – Delaware State Police

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the murder of Susan Ledyard50, of Wilmington, Delaware.

On July 23, 2019 at 7:39 a.m., Susan Ledyard’s body was recovered from the Brandywine River near Northeast Boulevard in Wilmington. She had visible injuries and an autopsy by the Department of Forensics determined the cause of death was blunt force trauma and drowning. The manner of death was ruled a homicide. At the time of her death, Susan was 5’4″, weighed 130 pounds, had shoulder-length brown hair, and was wearing a purple tank top.

Later that morning, at 8:54 a.m., Susan’s black 2016 Honda Civic was found parked near the Rising Sun Lane Bridge over the Brandywine River, approximately three miles upstream from where her body was found. Based on the passage of time and the course of the river, investigators do not believe Susan entered the river where her vehicle was parked.

Using video surveillance and cell phone records, investigators built a partial timeline of Susan’s activities. She was on her cell phone throughout the night, texting and calling friends until 2:45 a.m. At 3:02 a.m., her car was observed leaving her driveway and parking on Walkers Mill Road approximately two minutes later. Given the time that elapsed, investigators believe the car was driven directly from her home to the location where it was found.

Data from Susan’s Fitbit confirmed that she was alive until about 7:00 a.m., but her whereabouts between 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. are unknown. Investigators also have not determined why she left her apartment.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit received assistance from several law enforcement agencies and civilian experts during the investigation. Investigators continue to ask for the public’s assistance in gathering more information about Susan’s murder and her activities in the hours leading up to her death.

The Morrissey family, Susan’s parents and siblings have assisted in this investigation. In cooperation with Delaware Crime Stoppers, they are offering a reward of 50,000 US dollars for information leading to an arrest. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact Detective Daniel Grassi at 302-365-8441 or via email at [email protected]. Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.

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