Eric Leonard (murderer)
Eric Royce Leonard | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1969 or 1970 (age 54–55)[1] |
| Conviction(s) | First degree murder with special circumstances (6 counts) |
| Criminal penalty | Death |
| Details | |
| Date | February 12–19, 1991 |
| Killed | 6 |
| Weapon | .25-caliber pistol |
Eric Royce Leonard (born 1969 or 1970), also known as the "Thrill Killer", is an American spree killer who killed at least six people during two separate robberies in Sacramento in 1991.[2]
Crimes
[edit]On February 12, 1991, Leonard robbed and killed Quik Stop convenience store employees Zeid Obeid and Stephen Anderson as well as Thor Johnson, who was a customer. A week later, on February 19, Leonard robbed and killed Sarah Crook, Kyle Reynolds and Andrea Coladangelo at Round Table Pizza, all of whom were employees.[1][3] Leonard would avoid capture until June 6, 1991, when he was finally arrested. Investigators were able to narrow in on him since he lived near both crime scenes and that the pistol he used was registered to his father as confirmed by ballistics.[4]
Aftermath
[edit]On June 13, 1996, Eric Leonard was convicted of murdering all six victims and was subsequently sentenced to death. In May 2007, the California Supreme Court upheld his death sentence.[5][6]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b Egelko, Bob (May 17, 2007). "Death sentence upheld for Sacramento 'Thrill Killer'". SFGate. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ Wingo, Melanie (October 5, 2022). "History shows: When serial cases get lots of attention, it makes a difference". KCRA-TV. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ Chrystal, Chris (June 7, 1991). "Thrill killer' motive sought". United Press International. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ "Suspect Arrested in 'Thrill Killings' of 6". Los Angeles Times. June 7, 1991. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
- ^ "People v. Leonard (2002)". Justia.
- ^ Egelko, Bob (May 18, 2007). "SAN FRANCISCO / Death sentence for 'Thrill Killer' upheld". SFGate. Retrieved December 31, 2024.
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