Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Detectives Continue to Ask for the Public’s Help in 2016 Homicide Investigation

Date Posted: Tuesday, June 10th, 2025

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate the 2016 death of 63-year-old James Leager from Clayton, Delaware.

On April 27, 2016, James was found in his vehicle on a farm property on the 700 block of Blackbird-Greenspring Road in Smyrna, with serious injuries. He was taken to an area hospital where he died nearly 3 weeks later. James was a life-long resident of the Smyrna-Clayton area and was well known in the community.

Over the past nine years, detectives have continued to investigate, examine forensic evidence, and pursue leads in this case. There have been no arrests. Investigators are once again asking for the public’s help with any information that may be relevant.

Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding this case to contact Detective D. Grassi at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov or by calling 302-365-8441. Information may also be provided by sending a Private Facebook Message to the Delaware State Police or contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers, who offers a $5,000 cash reward, at 1-800- 847-3333.

If you or someone you know is a victim or witness of a crime or have lost a loved one to a sudden death and need assistance, the Delaware State Police Victim Services Unit / Delaware Victim Center is available to offer you support and resources 24 hours a day through a toll-free hotline at 1-800-VICTIM-1 (1-800-842-8461). You may also email the Victim Services Unit at DSP_VictimServicesMail@delaware.gov.