Selbyville woman, 71, found dead in ditch; son‑in‑law charged with first-degree murder

Delaware State Police say investigators responded to the 37000 block of Pinto Drive after family members reported concerns and discovered a woman’s body in a ditch behind the residence. Emergency medical personnel pronounced the victim dead at the scene, and police later identified her as 71-year-old Liudmyla Levchenko.

Troopers were called at about 8:30 a.m. after a family member had “a concerning conversation” with 28-year-old Jesus Palacio-Hernandez and could not locate the victim. While officers were en route, family members located Levchenko in the ditch behind the home and called for emergency medical assistance.

Police say a preliminary investigation found that Palacio-Hernandez had an altercation with Levchenko inside the residence during the overnight hours. “A preliminary investigation determined that Palacio‑Hernandez had an altercation with the victim inside the residence during the overnight hours. He is accused of physically assaulting her and then moving her body to the ditch where she was later found,” authorities said.

Investigators located Palacio-Hernandez in the Selbyville area and arrested him following a traffic stop. He was “taken into custody without incident following a traffic stop,” and has been charged with first-degree murder. He was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and is being held at Sussex Correctional Institution on a $1,000,000 cash bond; authorities say he did not post the cash bail.

Local law enforcement describes Levchenko as the suspect’s mother-in-law; family members played a central role in discovering the scene and alerting troopers. Police continue to conduct an active homicide investigation, and officials are expected to provide further details as they process evidence and complete forensic work.

This case has immediate practical impact for the community: a violent death inside a family home and a large cash bond underscore both the seriousness of the allegations and the need for neighbors and relatives to report concerning behavior. Residents who have information about the Pinto Drive residence or the events leading up to the killing are encouraged to contact Delaware State Police so investigators can piece together the timeline and any potential motive.

Next steps include more formal court hearings and police updates as the investigation progresses. Expect local authorities to release further information on charges, any forensic findings, and the schedule for future proceedings; a judge will decide at an upcoming hearing whether to allow bail. For neighbors and family, the case is a reminder to take concerning calls or threats seriously and to involve law enforcement early when safety is at risk.