Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

The trial in the case of State of Louisiana v. Terry Lynn Leonard began Monday, May 2, 2022, in the Ouachita Parish Courthouse. The defendant was charged with one count each of First-Degree Rape, Aggravated Kidnapping, Simple Arson, Home Invasion, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle. After a week-long trial, a unanimous jury found Leonard guilty as charged on all counts. The jury determined that on July 14, 2018, the defendant entered the victim's home after knocking in a window air conditioner unit. He encountered the 78-year-old victim in her home, raped her, drug her to her vehicle, and forced her inside. He set fire to her house before leaving with the victim. The victim was recused by law enforcement after Leonard crashed the car and fled on foot from the scene of the accident. The defendant faces life imprisonment with hard labor without the benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence for First-Degree Rape, Aggravated Kidnapping charges. For the Simple Arson, Home Invasion, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle, the defendant could be sentenced up to an additional 55 years of hard labor. The defendant will return to court in August for sentencing. Assistant District Attorneys Shirley Wilson Davis and Danielle Linkford tried the case on behalf of the state. Attorneys Peggy Sullivan and Glenn Fleming represented the defendant. The Honorable Frederick Jones presided over the trial and will conduct the sentencing. District Attorney Steve Tew is proud of the hard work of ADAs Shirley Davis and Danielle Linkford on this case. He also expresses appreciation for the investigative work of the Monroe Police Department.