BY GAYLA CAWLEY
MALDEN — The man accused of strangling to death his 31-year-old girlfriend in a Lebanon Street home earlier this week has been held without bail.
On Wednesday morning, Leah Penny, of Malden, was found at the bottom of the stairs in the front area of the Lebanon Street residence with a fabric dog leash wrapped around her neck. Two young children, ages 1 and 2, were found inside the home unharmed. A dog was also located in the dwelling, according to the Middlesex County District Attorney’s office.
Her alleged killer, Ryan Power, 32, of Malden, was arraigned in Malden District Court on Thursday on charges of murder, strangulation, and assault and battery on a household or family member. He was ordered held pending a full bail hearing scheduled for July 7, authorities said.
Malden Police had responded to a call for an unresponsive woman shortly before 10 a.m.
Authorities said the victim and suspect were dating. After her body was found, police set out to find Power, who had allegedly left the home on Tuesday night after an altercation with Penny.
Around 11 a.m., Power called his mother from New Hampshire, and also had a phone conversation with Malden Police, allegedly stating that he choked Penny with his hands before leaving the home for a store, according to the DA’s office.
Power was found in Seabrook, N.H., on Wednesday, after police had issued a warrant for his arrest. He was transported by police back to Massachusetts for arraignment, authorities said.
The ongoing investigation is being conducted by the Middlesex District Attorney’s office, State and Malden Police.
Gayla Cawley can be reached at [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter @GaylaCawley.