Wilmington – The Delaware State Police are continuing to actively investigate the death of 50-year-old Susan M. Ledyard of Wilmington, and are asking for the public’s help in furthering the investigation.
The ongoing investigation, which is being jointly conducted by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit and the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit, has determined the following.
On Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at approximately 7:39 a.m., Susan Ledyard was discovered deceased in the Brandywine River, in the area of Northeast Blvd., within the City of Wilmington.
Upon being recovered from the river, Susan was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science to determine the cause and manner of her death. Because the cause and manner of death are still pending further investigation, information regarding Susan’s injuries is not able to be released at this time.
At approximately 8:54 a.m., on this same date Troopers responded to Walkers Mill Rd. in the area of the Rising Sun Lane Bridge, for the report of a suspicious vehicle. Upon arrival, they located an unoccupied black, 2016 Honda Civic, which came back registered to Susan Ledyard. This location, where the vehicle was located and where the Rising Sun Lane Bridge spans the Brandywine River, is approximately three miles upriver, from where Susan’s body was recovered.
Through various investigative leads and measures, investigators have been able to create a timeline of Susan’s activities on July 23, however, a gap exists between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
Detectives are asking that anyone who believes that they may have seen Susan during this four-hour time frame, or who may have any information regarding this case to please come forward.
Susan is described as a white female, 5’4” tall, 130 lbs., with shoulder-length brown hair, and was wearing a purple tank top.
Information may be provided by contacting Detective D. Grassi of the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit by calling 302-365-8441 or Detective A. Lloyd of the Troop 2 Major Crimes Unit at 302-365-8411.