Name: Jennifer Leyanna
Age: 41 years old
Missing since: October 9, 2020
Location: Dover, Delaware
Status: Found deceased in February 2022
Case Information
41 year old Jennifer Lynn Leyanna of Felton was last seen on Friday October 9, 2020 in Dover, Delaware.
Disappearance
According to the Delaware State Police, Jennifer was last seen by herself on October 11 2020, around Slaughter Station Road, in Hartly, Delaware.
She’s known to frequent locations in both Delaware and Maryland.
Jennifer’s friends and family have been unsuccessful in trying to contact her, and there is a real concern for her safety and welfare.
She does not have a vehicle, and it is unknown what she was last seen wearing.
Remains Found in 2022, Suspect Arrested
In February 2022, the remains of Jennifer Leyanna were found in a backyard in Henderson, Maryland.
41 year old Leonard “Buddy” Church, who lived on the same block that Jennifer’s remains were found on, has been charged with her murder. No motive has been released at this time.
Man Receives 65 Years in Prison For Jennifer Leyanna’s Murder
41 year old Leonard “Buddy” Church was arrested and charged with Leyanna’s murder after her body was found in his backyard in 2022. Esther Wright, who lived with Church at the time, was also charged in connection with her murder. According to court documents, Wright helped Church bury Jennifer’s body in his backyard.
According to her autopsy, Leyanna died of multiple injuries. Her airway was obstructed by foreign objects, and she suffered numerous broken ribs and other blunt force injuries to her torso and head. Her hyoid bone was broken by a belt around her neck, the medical examiner’s office found.
According to court documents, Wright told police Church beat Leyanna to death because he believe she took his wallet.
Church and Wright both accepted plea deals; Church pleaded guilty to second degree murder, and Wright pleaded to kidnapping and conspiracy.
Church was given 65 years in prison for the murder of Jennifer Leyanna on August 28, 2024, and Wright was given a sentence of 25 years.
Appearance
Caucasian female with brown hair and blue eyes. She stands 5’1 and weighs 130 pounds. At the time of her disappearance her hair was cut short.
Both of Jennifer’s ears are pierced, as well as her belly button. She has a tattoo of a rose on her right hip, a rose band on her upper right arm, and “Daddy Lil Girl” on her forearm. She has a scar on the center of her back.
Jennifer was last known to be carrying a striped tan and gray Jansport backpack and a small brown purse.
Investigating Agency
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Jennifer Leyanna please contact Detective T. Ford with the Delaware State Police Criminal Investigative Unit at (302) 698-8569, the Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, or submit a tip online to the Delaware Crime Stoppers.
Resources & Further Information
Jennifer Lynn Leyanna – NamUS
Find Jennifer Leyanna – Facebook
News & Media Links
Delaware Police Searching for Felton Woman Who Could Be In Danger – Shore News
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