Authorities began a manhunt for Desmonte Leonard, 22, of Montgomery who reportedly opened fire after an altercation with some of the victims over a woman. Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson held up a picture of Leonard to the press on Sunday, telling him to turn himself in after warning the public that he is armed and dangerous and to call 9-1-1 if they spotted him.
The manhunt ended yesterday when Leonard peacefully walked into an Alabama courthouse and turned himself in to authorities waiting inside. Montgomery defense attorney Susan James said she persuaded Leonard to turn himself in after his family reached out to her for help.
Leonard is charged with three counts of capital murder and wounding three others. Attorney Susan James noted that she and Leonard talked while driving to Montgomery, AL where he will have his first court appearance. She noted, “When the full story is told, it may sound different than the perception now.” Although not yet retained, she has agreed to work as the defense attorney on the case, asserting “you don’t want a bad end for anybody.”
If you are charged with a crime, contact an experienced OC criminal defense attorney to assist you in fighting your charges and/or reducing your sentence.