Police searching for woman in connection to suspicious death

The Delaware State Police Homicide Unit is searching for 53-year-old Vanessa Johnson in relation to a suspicious death that occurred June 24 in Rehoboth Beach. 

A Gold Alert was issued June 28 for the Virginia woman who was last seen in Rehoboth Beach on the morning of June 23. Attempts to locate or contact her have been unsuccessful, police said, and there is concern for her well-being and safety. 

She is described as a Black woman, about 5-feet-6-inches tall and 165 pounds. She has black hair and brown eyes. She has ties to New York City, northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

At this time, it’s unclear what Johnson’s connection is to the suspicious death in Rehoboth Beach. 

Police say in the early evening hours of June 24, officers from the Rehoboth Beach Police Department were called to Olive Avenue for a report of a suspicious odor. The Rehoboth officers found a gray Mazda CX-5 with Virginia plates legally parked in front of a residence. When officers took a closer look, they found a dead man inside. The man was partially covered, which made it hard to see him from outside the car. 

Rehoboth Beach police requested the state police homicide unit assume the investigation. The body 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 man’s name has not been released. 

Police are asking anyone who saw the victim’s vehicle or has relevant information to call Detective Daniel Grassi at 302-365-8441 or email him at daniel.grassi@delaware.gov. Information can also be provided by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333.