A defense attorney says a man accused of killing three people near Auburn University over the weekend has turned himself in.
Suspect Desmonte Leonard, 22, turned himself in "without incident" to U.S. Marshals Tuesday night, according to Attorney Susan James.
James said she received a text from her law office about noon saying Leonard's family was reaching out to her to turn himself in. She arranged for Leonard to turn himself in around 7:50 p.m. (CST) at a courthouse in Montgomery.
Leonard faces three counts of capital murder and is accused of opening fire Saturday night after getting into a fight with some of the victims over a woman. The shooting was reported around 10 p.m. at the University Heights apartment complex on West Longleaf Avenue. The complex is home to many of Auburn University's students and athletes.
Two other men have been arrested in the course of this investigation for hindering prosecution and police believe their activity helped Leonard escape custody for days. Gabriel Thomas, 41, and Jeremy Thomas, 18, were taken into custody in Montgomery.
Police surrounded a house in Montgomery Monday afternoon and spent hours scouring it only to realize that the suspect wasn't inside.
"Montgomery Police Department worked this case like it was their own case…it just really makes me proud to be in law enforcement," said Auburn Police Chief Tommy Dawson during a press conference Tuesday night.
Dawson said that Leonard is being held at the Montgomery County Jail and will be transferred to Lee County within the next few days. He also said there will be no bond for Leonard and the decision on where to hold him will be made at his initial court appearance.
Auburn University President Jay Gogue released this statement concerning Leonard's arrest:
"We appreciate the dedication and commitment of the Auburn City Police Department and other law enforcement agencies. This is a difficult time for our campus and community. We're remembering those who lost their lives, and it's important that we pull together to help those who are grieving and recovering. We're offering counseling to students, and we've reached out to the families. I ask everyone to offer your thoughts, prayers and support to those who need it."
News Leader 9 is following this story. We'll have the latest information as soon as it becomes available.
Suspect Desmonte Leonard, 22, turned himself in "without incident" to U.S. Marshals Tuesday night, according to Attorney Susan James. (Source: Montgomery Police Department)
Dawson said that Leonard is being held at the Montgomery County Jail and will be transferred to Lee County within the next few days.
Attorney Susan James said she received a text from her law office about noon saying Leonard's family was reaching out to her to turn himself in.
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