Jerome, Idaho – Two women from Jerome, Idaho are facing murder charges in connection to the death of an elderly man. Jessica Bohr and Samantha Herrin have been charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder, with Herrin also facing charges of aiding and abetting. The charges stem from an incident that occurred on June 24, 2024, at a residence on Fifth Avenue West in Jerome.
According to court documents, Jerome police responded to a battery call at the residence where they discovered Merlin Leavitt with injuries to his face and head. Blood was found on various surfaces in the living room. Leavitt informed the police that Bohr and Herrin were responsible for the attack. He was then taken to Saint Alphonsus in Boise, where he was diagnosed with skull fractures and broken ribs, and placed in a medically induced coma. Later, Leavitt was transferred to Bennett Hills Rehabilitation and Care Center in Gooding.
Leavitt detailed to the police, on July 31, that the women had assaulted him with fists and a hammer as he was asleep. Herrin, who was Leavitt’s caretaker and potential beneficiary of his estate, had a falling out with him days before the incident. Authorities believe Herrin’s motivation for the attack was financial gain. Tragically, Leavitt succumbed to his injuries on August 16.
Following the death of Leavitt, a doctor conducted an autopsy which revealed that the cause of death was complications from blunt force trauma. A preliminary hearing for Herrin and Bohr has been scheduled for October 3, with Herrin being held without bail and Bohr’s bail set at $350,000. The community in Jerome has been left shocked by the severity of the crime and the unfolding details of the case. The legal proceedings are expected to shed light on the motives behind this tragic incident.