UPDATED: Delaware State Police Identify Man found Dead in SUV in Rehoboth Beach in June
UPDATED – 07/21/25 – The man who was found deceased in a parked SUV on Olive Avenue in Rehoboth Beach on June 24th has been identified as 85 year old Lewis Johnson of Reston, VA. The Division of Forensic Science investigation determined that Johnson died of natural causes and that a family member drove Johnson to Rehoboth Beach after his death. Police say that out of concern for the family member’s well-being a Gold Alert was issued and the family member was located and taken to a medical facility for evaluation. No criminal charges are pending and Police have closed the case.
The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit extends its appreciation to the Rehoboth Beach Police Department and the Division of Forensic Science for their assistance.
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UPDATED – 06/29/25 – A Gold Alert has been issued by Delaware State Police for 53 year old Vanessa Johnson of Virginia. She was last seen in Rehoboth Beach on Monday, June 23rd. Johnson is black, about 5′ 6” and 165 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Her destination was unknown, but she has ties to NYC and the Washington, DC area. Police are trying to locate Johnson in connection with a death investigation, where a man was found deceased in an SUV on Olive Avenue in Rehoboth Beach on Tuesday evening. The SUV had Virginia registration and was legally parked on the street in front of a home. His body was turned over to the Division of Forensic Science for autopsy to determine the cause and manner of death – and to confirm his identity.
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ORIGINAL STORY – 06/25/25 – The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is investigating a suspicious death after a man was found dead inside a vehicle parked in Rehoboth Beach. According to State Police, at about 6:30 p.m. yesterday, June 24th, officers from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department responded to 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 the 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.
Additional Information from DSP:
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.