Wilmington Man Charged In Early Morning Rampage

Location:
Eagle Way and Kings Creek Circle, Kings Creek Country Club Rehoboth Beach, De

DATE and TIME:
Wednesday July 28, 2010, 2:00 a.m.-4:10 a.m.

Victim(s):
30 year-old woman Wilmington, De
49 year-old man Arlington, Va
Unknown age Woman Marriottsville, Md
21 year-old man Rehoboth Beach, De
60 year-old woman Rehoboth Beach, De

Defendant(s):
Thomas R. Leonardi-31 Darmouth Rd Wilmington, De

Charge(s) and Bond Information:
Strangulation
3 counts Burglary Third Degree
Unlawful Imprisonment
Terroristic Threatening
Assault Third Degree
Malicious Interference Emergency Communications (stopping a 911 call)
3 counts Theft under $1,500
Criminal Trespass Second Degree
Sussex Correctional Institute $16,500 secured bond

Resume:
Delaware State Police early Wednesday July 28, 2010 responded to the Kings Creek Country Club development Rehoboth Beach Delaware for a disorderly person who had entered a residence illegally.

State Police advised around 2:00 a.m. Wednesday July 28, 2010 Thomas R. Leonardi and a 30 year old female acquaintance both from Wilmington Delaware were leaving Dewey Beach traveling to Kings Creek Country Club. The couple who had been out in Dewey earlier was heading to a residence on Eagle Way to meet up with persons they met early that evening.

While en route to Kings Creek Leonardi became violently angry and began beating the 30 year old female victim. Leonardi began slamming the victim’s head into the dashboard of the car they were in and also punching her about the head. At one point Leonardi grabbed the victim’s neck and began to choke her threatening he would kill her and leave the body in a corn field. The victim attempted to dial 911 however was unable to because Leonardi took it from her. The victim attempted to exit the vehicle however was restrained by Leonardi from do so.

Leonardi and the victim arrived in Kings Creek residence however were asked to leave because of the ongoing domestic. Leonardi who was driving along with the 30 year old victim drove away from the residence. Leonardi then stopped along the roadway a short distance away from the residence, exited the vehicle and walked back toward the residence. The 30 year old victim waited in the car until Leonardi returned a short time later with a purse and other items.

The saga continued as Leonardi again left the vehicle where he stopped at Eagle Way and Kings Creek Circle to an unknown location. The 30 year old victim got into the driver’s seat of the vehicle they were in and left Leonardi behind.

Around 4:10 a.m. State Police began receiving a number of 911 calls related to Leonardi being seen in the area. State Police were initially unsuccessful in locating Leonardi until the 30 year old victim received a call on her cell phone which was traced back to an Eagle Way residence. Troopers responded to the Eagle Way residence and located Leonardi inside. Leonardi illegally entered the residence while the victims were asleep. Leonardi was taken into custody without incident.

Leonardi during this incident entered a residence on Eagle Way, two vehicles and stole prescription medication, a purse, wallet, leatherman tool and a weather radio system. Leonardi was charged with the above offenses and remanded to Sussex Correctional Institute in lieu of $16,500 secured bond.

The 30 year old victim sustained swelling on her forehead, arm bruises and marks around her neck. It’s unknown whether the victim received medical treatment.

State Police aviation at one point was utilized in attempting to locate Leonardi.