Delaware man sentenced for 2022 daytime murder in Wilmington

Lance Leatherbury pleaded no contest to manslaughter, conspiracy and weapons charges in 2024 killing

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 27-year-old man named Lance Leatherbury of Laurel, Delaware has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2022 murder of Jermaine Meadows in Wilmington. Prosecutors said Leatherbury approached Meadows as he sat in his car, shot him, and fled the scene. Leatherbury was arrested in July 2023 and pleaded no contest to manslaughter, conspiracy and weapons charges in August 2024.

Why it matters

Violent crime remains a persistent issue in Wilmington, with daytime shootings disrupting community safety. This sentencing highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement and prosecutors to hold perpetrators accountable and deliver justice for victims' families.

The details

According to prosecutors, Lance Leatherbury approached Jermaine Meadows as he sat in his car in Wilmington in February 2022 and shot him, killing him. Leatherbury then fled the scene. He was arrested in July 2023 and eventually pleaded no contest to manslaughter, conspiracy and weapons charges in August 2024. On February 27, 2026, Leatherbury was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the crime.

  • Jermaine Meadows was shot and killed in Wilmington in February 2022.
  • Lance Leatherbury was arrested in July 2023.
  • Leatherbury pleaded no contest to manslaughter, conspiracy and weapons charges in August 2024.
  • Leatherbury was sentenced to 15 years in prison on February 27, 2026.

The players

Lance Leatherbury

A 27-year-old man from Laurel, Delaware who was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the 2022 murder of Jermaine Meadows in Wilmington.

Jermaine Meadows

The victim who was shot and killed by Lance Leatherbury while sitting in his car in Wilmington in February 2022.

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The takeaway

This case underscores the continued challenges Wilmington faces in addressing gun violence and the importance of the criminal justice system working to bring justice for victims and their families.