The 2007 cold case was reopened by SBPD's Cold Case Unit within the past year, leading to 56-year-old Lucio Lerma Sr., Delia's husband, being identified as a suspect.

Lerma was subsequently arrested and charged for the murder in March. On June 26, Lerma posted bond and was released on pre-trial release, with the jury trial scheduled for Nov. 16.

Police say on Aug. 22, around 11:50 p.m., officers responded to the 700 block of S. Bendix Drive for an unresponsive man.

Officers arrived to find the man, identified as Lerma, dead.

The St. Joseph County Coroner’s Office also responded to the scene.

Lerma's autopsy has been scheduled at the coroner’s request.

The report states there were no initial signs of foul play or suspicious activity.

Since Lerma is now dead, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office is in the process of dismissing the charges in the case.