Nine years later, State Police still seeking answers in 2016 homicide

Leager was widely known in the Smyrna-Clayton area, and detectives are specifically interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or spoken with him in the days before the assault. (Photo provided by DSP)

SMYRNA — Nearly a decade after the brutal assault and death of 63-year-old James Leager, Delaware State Police continue to investigate the case and are once again asking the public to come forward with any information.

Leager, a lifelong resident of the Smyrna-Clayton area, was found seriously injured in his bronze 2011 Ford F-150 pickup truck on a farm property in the 700 block of Blackbird-Greenspring Road on April 27, 2016.

He had sustained severe trauma to his head and torso. Paramedics treated him at the scene before transporting him to Kent General Hospital, where he remained for several weeks before dying from complications related to blunt-force trauma on May 17, 2016.

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The DSP Homicide Unit took over the investigation in June 2016. Despite ongoing forensic analysis, interviews, and public outreach, no arrests have been made.

Leager was widely known in the Smyrna-Clayton area, and detectives are specifically interested in speaking with anyone who may have seen or spoken with him in the days before the assault. The vehicle involved—a bronze-colored 2011 Ford F-150 with Delaware tags—may also help jog memories among potential witnesses.

Detective Daniel Grassi continues to lead the investigation. He can be contacted at (302) 365-8441 or by email at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Anonymous tips may also be submitted via Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-847-3333 or online at delaware.crimestoppersweb.com. Tipsters may be eligible for a $5,000 cash reward.

In addition to pursuing leads, State Police are offering support services through the Delaware Victim Services Unit, which can be reached 24/7 at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461) or via email at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.

Authorities are hoping renewed attention to the case will finally lead to justice for Leager and closure for his family and community.

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.