UPDATE: A 47-year-old woman, Cherie Lynnette Townsend, was convicted of first-degree murder on December 4, in the brutal stabbing death of 66-year-old Susan Leeds at a Rolling Hills Estates mall parking structure on May 3, 2018. After hours of deliberation, the jury determined Townsend’s actions were premeditated, marking this case as a pivotal moment in the community, which had not seen a murder in nearly a decade.
Prosecutors revealed chilling evidence during the trial, including Townsend’s desperate Google searches and text messages indicating her financial struggles. They argued that Townsend was motivated by a need for cash to fund her daughter’s cheerleading trip to Florida, leading her to target a vulnerable victim. Leeds, a retired nurse, was stabbed 17 times and had her throat slashed in a shocking act of violence.
Witnesses captured Townsend’s gold Chevy Malibu entering the parking structure just before 9:40 a.m. and leaving hastily after the attack. Surveillance footage showed her cutting off another vehicle and running a red light, prompting authorities to pursue her movements closely. The murder weapon was never found, and Townsend’s defense claimed no direct evidence linked her to the crime scene, as no DNA or fingerprints were discovered.
During the trial, prosecutors highlighted distressing details from Townsend’s life. She was allegedly $2,000 short for her daughter’s travel expenses and had taken money from friends under false pretenses, promising to buy plane tickets that she never purchased. Just hours before the attack, she had searched for information about the mall, indicating a clear plan to find a target.
In a gripping turn of events, Townsend was initially arrested on May 17, 2018, but was released due to insufficient evidence. However, she was rearrested in August 2023 as investigators continued to piece together her actions leading up to the murder. She told detectives she was at the mall for her son but could not provide credible proof of her whereabouts during the critical moments.
The emotional impact of Leeds’ death has rippled through the community, with many expressing their shock and sorrow over the tragic event. The case has drawn significant media attention due to its brutal nature and the complexities surrounding Townsend’s motivations.
As the case moves forward, Townsend faces a maximum sentence of 26 years to life. A tentative sentencing date has been set for January 23, where the court will determine her fate. This conviction serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of desperation and violence, leaving the community to grapple with the aftermath of this tragic incident.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the community seeks justice for Susan Leeds.
