Remains found in Maryland identified as Felton woman

HENDERSON, Md. — The human remains recovered from the backyard of a Maryland residence Feb. 16 have been identified as Jennifer Leyanna, 41, of Felton, Delaware, authorities said Tuesday.

An acquaintance of Ms. Leyanna’s, Leonard “Buddy” Church, 41, of Henderson, has been established as a suspect in the case and charged with first-degree murder, Delaware State Police spokeswoman Master Cpl. Heather Pepper said. The remains were found in his yard in the 25000 block of Schuyler Road.

Mr. Church was taken into custody by Caroline County deputies Feb. 16 and subsequently incarcerated there on unrelated criminal charges, Cpl. Pepper said.

The suspect was extradited to DSP Troop 3 on Monday and charged in connection with the Leyanna case. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court and committed to Howard R. Young Correctional Institution, Wilmington, on a $2 million cash bond, police said.

According to Cpl. Pepper, on Nov. 1, 2020, Troop 3 handled the initial missing-person report for Ms. Leyanna. She had last been seen in the Hartly, Delaware, area around Oct. 9, 2020, she said.

During the subsequent investigation, detectives conducted extensive follow-ups and numerous interviews and received countless tips on the circumstances and whereabouts of Ms. Leyanna. Cpl. Pepper said troopers believed she was deceased and that her demise may have occurred from criminal actions.

Police asked anyone with information to contact Detective Mark Ryde at 302-741-2730 or mark.ryde@delaware.gov. Information may also be provided by sending a Facebook message to DSP or by contacting Delaware Crime Stoppers at 800-TIP-3333 or here.