DA: Man strangled girlfriend with dog leash

MALDEN, Mass. — A Malden man has been charged with murder after police discovered the body of a 31-year-old woman inside a home Wednesday morning.

Ryan Power, 32, is being held without bail on the murder charge. He pleaded not guilty Thursday morning.

Police were called to a Lebanon Street home just before 10 a.m. Wednesday for an unresponsive female, and when they arrived they found the body of Leah Penny, 31.

MORE: Man arrested after woman’s body found in Malden home

Police investigating the suspicious death said they believe Ryan Power, 32, of Malden, left the home Tuesday night following an altercation with Penny.

A warrant was issued for Power’s arrest on charges of strangulation and assault and battery on a household or family member.

He was later taken into custody in New Hampshire and transported back to Massachusetts.

Some neighbors said police frequently visited the house where the woman's body was found.

“I want to say a week ago I saw police here. It seems like I always see police cars there,” Stanley Buonagurio said.

Prosecutors and Penny's mother say Power has previously been abusive, according to the Associated Press.

Cox Media Group