Tragedy in a Small Alabama Town

The Auburn Shooting from Incident to Surrender

by Jeff Jones

Late Saturday night, while at a pool party near the Auburn University campus, witnesses say they saw 22 year old Desmonte D. Leonard arguing with another man over the affections of a woman who both expressed interest in earlier that night.  Eventually the arguing led to pushing, and unfortunately the pushing led the 5 foot 4 inch Leonard to brandishing a weapon.

Once Leonard drew his gun several shots were fired into the crowd, killing three bystanders – two of whom happened to be former Auburn University football players.  The shots also injured three others, one of whom is still in critical condition in an Alabama hospital. 

Of the six victims of this unprovoked, violent attack, only one was involved in the original altercation with Leonard.

After collecting statements on Saturday night and interviewing witnesses, police set off on the trail to apprehend the suspected murderer. 

Eventually, reliable tips led the manhunt to a Montgomery home — less than three miles from Leonard’s last known residence.  Monday afternoon, police officials swarmed the home. 

The officials armed with rifles, tear gas, helicopters, and thermal imaging equipment supposedly verified the tipster’s hunch – a person was hiding in the attic.

Officers camped out around the house for hours deliberating ideas, deploying tear gas, and devising alternate plans to apprehend Leonard.  Unfortunately, this tireless, nine hour, televised search resulted in little more than police officials admitting, “He’s evaded us.”

Though the Monday home raid did not produce the suspect, it prompted his surrender – early Tuesday evening Desmonte D. Leonard turned himself in to authorities.

By his side through his surrender and interrogation was his attorney, Susan James.  And though Ms. James assures the public that Leonard has been “very respectful” and “when the full story is told, it may sound different than the perception now,” one can’t help but be glad that a suspected killer is now off of the streets and the victims and their families can start their long road to achieving closure.