Delaware State Police

Superintendent Colonel William D. Crotty

State Police Conducting Suspicious Death Investigation in Rehoboth Beach

Date Posted: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025

News Release text with State Police vehicle in the background

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating a suspicious death after a man was found dead inside a vehicle parked in Rehoboth Beach.

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 for a report of a foul odor coming from a parked vehicle. When officers arrived, they located a grey Mazda CX-5 with Virginia registration legally parked on the street in front of a residence.

When officers checked the vehicle, they found the body of a deceased man inside. The victim’s body was partially covered, making it difficult to see from outside the vehicle.

Due to the circumstances, the Rehoboth Beach Police Department requested the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit to assume the investigation.

The victim was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for an autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death and to confirm his identity.

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit continues to investigate this incident. Detectives ask anyone who saw the victim’s vehicle, noticed suspicious activity in the area, or has relevant information to contact Detective D. Grassi at (302) 365-8441 or daniel.grassi@delaware.gov . Information may also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-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.