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A spirit that is not afraid

Leonard denied bond by judge

The Montgomery man accused of shooting and killing three men at an Auburn apartment complex in June has been denied bond by a Lee County judge.

Though he granted a $300,000 bond for Leonard's non-capital charges, Lee County Circuit Court Judge Jacob Walker III denied bond for Desmonte Leonard saying his defense did not present a good enough case for him to be released on his capital murder charges.

Leonard will remain in custody at the Montgomery County jail.

The defense, led by attorney Susan James, argued the denial of bond was unconstitutional, and said that the state's evidence against Leonard was not strong enough to deny bond under Alabama case law. The Lee County District Attorney’s Office said Leonard should not be released.

Leonard, 23, pleaded not guilty to capital murder, attempted murder and assault charges for his alleged role in a shooting during a party at University Heights Apartments on June 9. Former Auburn University football players Ladarious Phillips and Ed Christian were killed as was Opelika resident DeMario Pitts. Current Auburn football player Eric Mack and Roanoke natives Xavier Moss and John Robertson were injured and survived.


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