An investigation into a suspicious death in Rehoboth Beach has concluded with authorities determining that the man found deceased in a parked vehicle died of natural causes.
On June 24, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m., officers from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department responded to the 40 block of Olive Avenue following a report of a foul odor emanating from a parked grey Mazda CX-5 with Virginia registration. The vehicle was legally parked in front of a residence. Upon inspection, officers discovered the body of a deceased male inside the vehicle. The body was partially covered, obscuring it from plain view.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the discovery, the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit was requested to take over the investigation. The victim was transported to the Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death and to confirm his identity.
Following forensic testing, the man was identified as 85-year-old Lewis Johnson of Reston, Virginia. Investigators concluded that Johnson had died of natural causes and that a family member had transported his body to Rehoboth Beach after his death. Concern for the family member’s well-being led to the issuance of a Gold Alert on June 28. The individual was located safely the following day and transported to a medical facility for evaluation.
No criminal charges are pending in the case, and the investigation is now closed. The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit acknowledged the assistance provided by the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and the Division of Forensic Science.
