Joel David Leach, 28

May 3, 2010, 11:30 a.m.

Joel Leach, a 28-year-old white man, was shot to death Saturday, May 1, in the 1100 block of North Alexandria Street in East Hollywood, according to Los Angeles County coroner's records.

Ronald Henderson, a 45-year-old black man, called authorities about 2:05 a.m. and said he had shot a friend at his apartment, said LAPD Det. Jose Carrillo.

When police arrived, they found Leach with a gunshot wound to his face. He was pronounced dead at the scene, according to coroner's records.

Carrillo said Henderson admitted shooting Leach. He was arrested on suspicion of murder.

On Tuesday, the case was presented to the Los Angeles County district attorney's office, a spokesperson said, and was sent back for more investigation. Charges have not been filed against Henderson, the spokesperson said.

Henderson is being held at Men's Central Jail in downtown in lieu of $1-million bail.

[Update May 7: Henderson was released from jail on May 4 after the district attorney's office decided to delay a decision on filing charges. Investigators are gathering evidence in order to present the case again to prosecutors, said Det. Carrillo.

Carillo said that Henderson admitted to shooting Leach, but said he did it in self-defense. Detectives said they believe there was a third person in the apartment when the incident occurred and are searching for the witness to corroborate or refute the self-defense claim.

The Times will provide more details as information becomes available.]

-- Sarah Ardalani

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46 reader comments

First and foremost, I would like to echo Judy's words about the right to free speech, that is one of the reasons that I admire her. From one parent to another, you will have no idea unless having experienced the loss of a child. I am honored to work for Jim and Judy, and even more so when they invited us all to attend Joel's Celebration of Life. It was up close and personal that Monday morning when Judy received the call about Joel, and as a mother myself I felt her pain, a pain I never wish to experience. Joel's Memorial Service was a most precious moment that I was so fortunate to be able to attend, I was able to see him in a most precious light. To the Leach and Smoak families respectively, I am so sorry for his passing, but I fully believe that the victory now belongs to Joel.... Peace in Christ to you all, always.

— Kelli Thomas May 14, 2010 at 6:23 p.m.

The Truth, why should I give up my guns and be punished so these low life gangbangers can rule the streets more than they do now?

For your information we happen to have some of the most strict gun laws in the country, and I dont see any gangbangers lined up to turn in their guns because they are breaking the law with them. It also just so happen's that we have a law already in place to prevent what happen to this young man. It didnt do any good.

All that happens when we add more gun laws to the already stringent ones we have, is take guns out of the hands of LAW ABIDING people and allow the criminals to keep their's. How about we enforce the ones we have?

And dont try to feed anyone that garbage obout "a real head on their shoulders", Whats your excuse?

— Eye Opener May 12, 2010 at 10:08 a.m.

A statement in general:

Too all that find this an interesting story I would simply ask, can you consider another human in kind? You can see the remarks are all condolences to the family of someone that is no longer with us with no malicious intent; or are you blind? Consider the innocent families here if your heart can consider anyone at all. All are comments of condolence to someone that loved and lost someone in one fashion or another--which is unlikely the intent of their families.

I don't see any negative remarks/questions about the man that killed, nor do I see questions about that individual. I am sure his family is suffering deeply as well. Where are your questions about him? What of his mother? Can you feel for his mother less or more than you feel for Joel's wonderful mother? Have a heart people! Several families are suffering here.

I certainly do not point a finger of blame, I simply point the finger at anyone that cannot see with their own two eyes that their comments may hurt the families of these two young men whose lives have been changed forever, and permanently. I do notice that the LEACH family suffered a loss of life and they are not making comments focused on anyone else, simply trying to be supportive of each other. How refreshing in spite of a terrible tragedy!

Have a heart and refrain from hurting with your words just because you can manage it with your keyboard anonymously.

A statement to the Leach Family...

I know your hearts and am so incredibly sorry for your loss. There are no words to express the sorrow I feel for the loss of innocence and human life that has transpired as a result of this tragedy. I wish I had more eloquent words and phrases to express that! God be with you all!

— Cindy Wilson May 10, 2010 at 9:44 p.m.

The Homicide Report

Joel David Leach, 28

Share a memory or thought about Joel David Leach

46 reader comments