Desmonte Leonard Manhut Continues, Suspect Charged With Triple Homicide
The search continues for Desmonte Leonard, 22, who is wanted for shooting six people in Alabama on Saturday night. Officials are uncertain where Leonard may be hiding but are determined to bring him to justice for the three murders.
Leonard reportedly went on a shooting spree at University Heights apartments, which is near Auburn University campus in Alabama. He shot six people, killing three and leaving the community in shock. The FBI and U.S. Marshals Service have gotten involved in the case and have offered a $15,000 reward for Leonard's capture.
Police Chief Tommy Dawson has warned the public that Leonard is "armed and extremely dangerous." He's urged Leonard to turn himself in and avoid further trouble. As it stands, Leonard faces three charges of capital murder.
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"This is a trying time, not only [for] university students and athletes. It's six young people that have been shot. As you can tell, the community is shaken by this and grieving today," Dawson said at a press conference yesterday.
The three young people killed included two former Auburn football players; three other football players were injured and are struggling to recover, Dawson said. It is unknown what led to the shooting, since there is no apparent connection between Leonard and the group of students.
"Sometimes the young men get a bad rap, I feel like, but they are the victims today," Dawson explained. "Them being football players really has nothing to do with this. They're victims of a shooting. It's not just about the Auburn football players. It's about the other young men who have been injured."
Auburn's football coach, Gene Chizik, released a statement as well.
"This is a sad, sad day for everyone associated with the entire Auburn family. I am devastated by the passing of three young men, including two that I personally knew," said the coach. "My thoughts and prayers are with their families and all of the victims involved in this tragic incident. Nobody should ever have to endure such unimaginable grief."
