Los Angeles County, California, has witnessed the conclusion of a seven-year legal battle, culminating in the conviction of a woman for the 2018 stabbing murder of 66-year-old Susan Leeds in a mall parking lot. This incident was notable not only because it marked the first homicide in the area in nearly a decade but also due to the long and tumultuous investigation that ensued.
Leeds was discovered lifeless inside her SUV in May 2018, prompting an immediate investigation. Initial suspect apprehension occurred swiftly, with law enforcement detaining a homeless man. However, he was released shortly after, as available evidence was insufficient to support the charges against him.
At the time, then-Sheriff Jim McDonnell expressed belief that Leeds had been randomly targeted during a robbery attempt. The Sheriff’s Department actively sought public assistance in solving the case, as Leeds’ family hoped for justice in her tragic death.
It would take weeks before Cherie Townsend was arrested. The Sheriff’s Department cited circumstantial evidence, including Townsend’s cell phone found under Leeds’ vehicle, as crucial in linking her to the crime. Townsend was briefly jailed but released just five days later, leading her to claim that she had been wrongfully accused. “I live my life in hiding,” she stated at the time.
Later that year, Townsend filed a lawsuit against Los Angeles County. She alleged false imprisonment and violations of her civil rights. However, the legal troubles did not end there; she faced arrest again in 2023, reigniting discussions about the long-standing case.
During the trial, prosecutors depicted Townsend as financially desperate, asserting that she was in dire need of money for her child’s cheerleading competition. This portrayal was met with poignant remarks from Leeds’ family. “I could understand that everyone wants to provide for their children,” remarked Ben Leeds, Susan’s stepson.
Susan Leeds, a retired nurse known for her volunteer work at a local food pantry, left behind a family grieving her loss. Her husband died before Townsend’s conviction, adding another layer of heartache. “The stab wounds didn’t just kill Susie,” Ben expressed emotionally. “It killed my father as well.”
With Townsend’s conviction, the family feels they can finally find closure and honor the memory of their loved ones. “We love them very much,” Ben said, noting how deeply they will be missed. “They’ll always be in our hearts.”
The long and painful chapter of this case may now be closed, but it serves as a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the lasting impact of violence on families and communities.