The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is calling on the public to come forward with any information that could lead to an arrest in the cold case murder of Susan Ledyard, who was killed in 2019.
The case began on the morning of July 23, 2019, when Ledyard’s body — showing visible signs of injury — was pulled from the Brandywine River near Northeast Boulevard in Wilmington at approximately 7:39 a.m. At the time of her death, she stood 5 feet 4 inches tall, weighed 130 pounds, had brown shoulder-length hair, and was dressed in a purple tank top.
A post-mortem examination conducted by the Division of Forensic Science determined that Ledyard died as a result of both blunt force trauma and drowning. Her death was officially ruled a homicide.
Through a thorough review of surveillance camera footage, cell phone records, and collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies and civilian experts, investigators pieced together the following timeline of events from that same morning:
2:45 a.m.: Ledyard had been active on her cell phone throughout the night, making calls and sending texts to friends up until approximately 2:45 a.m.
3:02 a.m.: Her black 2016 Honda Civic was captured on camera leaving her driveway. The vehicle was later found parked on Walkers Mill Road near the Rising Sun Lane Bridge, which spans the Brandywine River. Based on how quickly the car arrived there, investigators believe it was driven directly from her home to that location.
3:02 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.: Ledyard’s movements during this nearly four-hour window remain a mystery. Detectives have been unable to determine why she left her home that night.
7:00 a.m.: Data retrieved from Ledyard’s Fitbit device confirmed she was still alive at approximately this time.
7:39 a.m.: Her body was discovered in the Brandywine River.
8:54 a.m.: Investigators found her vehicle parked on Walkers Mill Road — roughly three miles upstream from where her body was recovered. Due to the timeline and the river’s path, detectives do not believe she entered the water at that location.
Ledyard’s family — her parents and siblings, known as the Morrissey family — have stood by investigators throughout the years-long case. “We miss Susan every day,” the Morrissey family said. “We are desperate to get justice for her. We need everyone to help us spread the word about her case to generate tips.”
In partnership with Delaware Crime Stoppers, the family is offering a $50,000 reward for any information that results in an arrest.
Anyone who has information about this case is encouraged to reach out to Detective Daniel Grassi at 302-365-8441 or by email at [email protected]. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Delaware Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-TIP-3333.
Those who have been affected by crime or a sudden loss and need support can contact the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit and the Delaware Victim Center, which operates a toll-free hotline around the clock at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). The unit can also be reached by email at [email protected].
