Homicide Report > Joel Leach, 28
Joel Leach, 28
Died May 1, 2010 at 2:28 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
- Neighborhood: East Hollywood
- Age: 28
- Gender: Male
- Cause: Gunshot
- Day of the week: Saturday
- Agency: LAPD Northeast
- Race/Ethnicity: White
- Crime scene: Residence
45 reader comments about Joel Leach
To the entire Leach family we are all thinking about you our prayers and thoughts are with you Joel will be greatly missed we are here for you if anything is needed a candle will be burning for him!!!!!!!!!! WE LOVE YOU
May 4, 2010 at 6:25 a.m.
Thanks to all who are thinking of our family and praying for us in this time. Our family is particularly thankful to Joel's friends at Hope International Bible Fellowship in L.A. where Joel lived and belonged for the last year of his life. Joel was deeply loved and is already dearly missed.
May 5, 2010 at 6:22 p.m.
TJ, I am in shocked at what has happened to Joel. Please know that our family extends our love and prayers to you and your family at this very difficult time. We remember Joel as a very happy young boy..especially in childrens Sunday School at FBC.
We love you.
Kathy McKellar
May 6, 2010 at 6:36 a.m.
My heart goes out to this man. RIP and God Bless his family.
I am beginning to feel very unsafe in the city I have called home for nearly 16 years. Before becoming an avid reader of the Homicide Report, I used to think that most LA County homicide victims were involved in gangs or other crimes. But many of these victims were innocent souls at the mercy of senseless acts. People walking up and shooting for no reason, home invasion, robbery...horrible.
May 6, 2010 at 7:42 a.m.
Joel's Father and I are both State Farm agents and have traveled the world together. I lost my 18 year old only Daughter 3 years ago tragically, so I understand the family's hurt and sorrow. Yes, we know by faith we will see them again, but the missing the loved one now is so hard to handle. The family will need your prayers long after the shock has gone and most people have moved on with their lives. Pray for the family but also reach out and contact them with a note or a call saying that you are praying for them and STAY IN TOUCH! Your reaching out in love helps handle the loss.
Wallie Culbreth Knoxville, Tennessee
May 6, 2010 at 11:25 a.m.
Joel, I am so sad you are gone. I loved and continue to love you so much. I keep recalling funny things we did as kids, and I am so upset I won't share more moments in your company here. My faith is strong in knowing your spirit lives and we will meet again. Feeling and loving my family so strongly.
May 6, 2010 at 4:19 p.m.
Our heart's ache for you and our family is praying for yours. What a tragic happening. TJ we will keep your parents and family in our prayers during this difficult time. We love you guys.
Ron, Connie, Bethany, Morgan, & Robbie
May 7, 2010 at 7:57 p.m.
I am Joel's mom. His dad and I are devastated at his loss but have confidence that we will see him again in heaven. He was loved so very much. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers. To view his memorial and post a comment or photo, copy and paste the address below into your web browser.
http://www.callananwoodsscovern.com/obituaries/tribute.html?url=http://stei-23694.tributes.com/show/Joel--Leach-88463233
May 8, 2010 at 11:18 a.m.
I feel so blessed to be part of this beautiful family. I met Joel at a very young age and shared some wonderful family gatherings. I know Joel is in heaven and we will all be together again. Until that time may Joel RIP. You were a very kind and giving person and will be missed very much.
Love, aunt Kerri
May 8, 2010 at 1:54 p.m.
Spent a wonderful day fishing with Joel in beautiful Englewood Florida. He and I and his parents had a wonderful day and caught some fish that Joel helped me clean, I will miss you Joel, Love You
May 8, 2010 at 2:18 p.m.
We have had Joel in our prayers for so long and will miss him terribly. I am so thankful now for the time he stayed in our home and got to know our kids. We stayed up many nights talking about life - past and future and we will treasure that time always. Joel had so much life and energy inside him and we enjoyed every minute. God Bless You Joel - Judy, Jimmy, TJ and Michael - you are in our thoughts. We love you!!!
May 9, 2010 at 10:24 a.m.
You are truly wonderful people, Jim and Judy. Our most heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. "Your heavenly father hears each faltering prayer, sees each fragile tear, and aches to hold you close to comfort you...help cometh from the Lord."
May 9, 2010 at 10:46 a.m.
I always felt so lucky to be a friend of Joel's mother, Judy. She is one of the most loving, intelligent, interesting people I could ever imagine. As a young person growing up in Clearwater and then as an adult, Judy was not only a devout Christian but she (even as a kid!) walked her talk. I didn't understand it until I became a person of faith. I know love sustains you, Judy and Jim, and your love helps sustain those around you. Love heals and you will feel normal again! There are so many people who love and admire you and want to help you grapple with your grief. You are in the prayers and hearts of so many people.
May 9, 2010 at 11:47 a.m.
"Carillo said that Henderson admitted to shooting Leach, but said he did it in self-defense."
Was the deceased known to be violent or was abusing drugs?
May 9, 2010 at 4:55 p.m.
Jim and Judy we love you guys and are praying for you daily---i was blessed to spend some time with Jim and Joel a few weeks ago on a State Farm trip. This was the first time i had met Joel--What a good looking, smart, well spoken young man.i know you guys were proud of Joel---Please know we are there if you need us in the coming weeks.
May 10, 2010 at 6:24 a.m.
Joel, I will miss you so much. I loved that smile of yours. I pray for comfort for all of the family and friends that knew you. Love, Aunt Karen.
May 10, 2010 at 7:25 a.m.
syscom3, why don't you get a life dork!!
May 10, 2010 at 8:38 a.m.
Our heart and prayers go out to the entire Leach family. What a tragic loss. I know however that Joel is in a much better place now. Jim and Judy, we love you.
May 10, 2010 at 11:34 a.m.
We are so saddened to hear of the loss of your loving son.
Our deepest sympathy to The Leach Family.
Thinking of you,
RE/MAX of The PINES,
Pinky Doyle, Tina Adams
Eileen Malan, Shirley Starkey
Beth Palmeri and Carrasse Jasper
May 10, 2010 at 12:29 p.m.
Joel, may you rest in Christ's peace. I enjoyed the few moments we shared together. You're a good dude and I appreciated the journey you were on. I'm glad we crossed paths and look forward to crossing paths again after this life. Jim & Judy, my heart and prayers are with you.
May 10, 2010 at 1:13 p.m.
This is what i mean.......IT'S ALL ABOUT YOU....Why do you insist on knowing if this guy was on drugs or not......What is the reason behind you asking that???? Are you a cop.....writing a book....you are really starting to make my blood boil........The Audacity of this guy.....Asking all these questions...like YOU are going to do something about it......and the L.A. Times is so much of a joke they let this go on........i heard them on t.v the other day laughing at L.A.TIMES.....I don't see a new forum, I see the same old stuff......This Newspaper and this guy syscum is a clown to the Hundredth power.
May 10, 2010 at 2:28 p.m.
I am blessed to have known Joel. He was alway ready to help with anything he could. He had a huge servant heart. He will be greatly missed. I am thankful I will get to see him in Heaven but it is a great loss for us here now. He was a great example of strength and giving of himself to those in need. I will miss his smile around the church too. My prayers are with you Jim and Judy.
May 10, 2010 at 3:18 p.m.
Jim and Judy, as you know words do not begin to express the sorrow we feel for the tragedy that has occurred in your family. Be assured that all of us think about you daily and pray for your entire family in this time of sorrow.
May 10, 2010 at 3:21 p.m.
To Jim Leach and Family. Please know we are praying that God's grace and love will sustain you in the days ahead. Many years ago I read where God choses his Saints very carefully. I know that Joel was called for a purpose and through his beautiful life many will be brought to our Heavenly Father. Jim, I love you and pray that God will favor you and your family with the peace that surpasses all understanding as we share the memory of Joel. Live For Him.
Sam Branch
May 10, 2010 at 4:46 p.m.
Cali, this is foremost a newspaper. As such, I ask such questions because I and many others want the news.
That said, isn't it odd that a guy who everyone is claiming to be a harmless and fine individual was gunned down in the early morning hours for no apparent reason?
What happened there? Perhaps a drug deal gone wrong?
May 10, 2010 at 4:56 p.m.
I have fond memories of Joel and I riding our bikes to school everyday in the morning. And then spending the afternoon boating around Dona's Bay. You will be missed.
May 10, 2010 at 5:06 p.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!
May 10, 2010 at 9:44 p.m.
I am Joel's brother.
Checked in to see what family and friends had posted here. Regarding the other dialog; this was not a drug deal gone bad - and that is from having spoken with the investigating officers. Joel was definitely in the wrong place at the wrong time, there was a disagreement of some kind, a gun was pulled, end of story. Whatever some might speculate regarding what he was doing there is their business, I guess. For friends and family who are finding this comment stream I just wanted that to be clear. Thanks to all for your condolences as we grieve and remember my brother.
May 10, 2010 at 11:28 p.m.
Guns shall not be allowed for public hands...
But I guess the republicans stand all behind this. Billions of dollars are being made by the arm industry....
But thats not okay
All Americans with a real head on their shoulders should stand up for a stricter gun law...
Other than that I am sorry
I have no compassion.......
May 11, 2010 at 10:14 a.m.
T.J. Leach, thank you for the clarification. It seems the primary suspect has quite a lot of explaining to do.
May 11, 2010 at 10:45 a.m.
The Truth-
A stricter gun law so that only criminals will possess them? THINK.
May 11, 2010 at 12:36 p.m.
you are stupid Chris....
I mean that no American citizen should be in a position to get a gun,
In no other country than the US you have so many homicides by gunshots... and in no other country than the US it is so easy to get a gun
even 12 year old kids do own a gun in the US
that is totally crazy
May 12, 2010 at 9:43 a.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?
May 12, 2010 at 10:08 a.m.
Truth-
Nice comeback. Did you think of that yourself or phone a friend? Anyway, have you ever heard of the 2nd Amendment? Go ahead and read up on that. Guns aren't the problem, it's morons with guns that are the problem. Gun laws don't affect the morons, they only hurt the law abiding owners....and those people aren't the problem. Do your best at understanding that.
May 12, 2010 at 2:12 p.m.
I am Joel's mother. I respect the remarks each person has made. It's great that we live in a country where we have freedom of speech. Joel was very much loved. We had a memorial service for him in Florida yesterday. It was the most beautiful, inspiring, and healing experience for our family and many of the 150 people who attended felt the same way. Joel's death has touched many people in a positive way. Our sincere thanks to Pastor Ed Carey of the Hope Church in Hollywood. Joel was involved in this ministry for the past 12 months. He was part of their incredible ministry of feeding and caring for the homeless. Check it out if you can.
May 12, 2010 at 8:49 p.m.
@ TheTruth, As a rule the laws are only as effect as the society is willing to enforce it. Look at Mexico, citizens are not allow to own any firearms, yet they are in a blood bath of violence. The law states you will not drive while under the influence (drunk), yet more people died very year because of DUI's. The common fact in all these death is the human fact. It is not the object(gun/vehicle/alcohol).
May 13, 2010 at 2 p.m.
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.
May 14, 2010 at 6:23 p.m.
To Jim and family: I just wanted to add my sympathies and let you know that I am one of so many who hold you in their thoughts and prayers as you navigate the uncharted waters of the loss of a child.
May 16, 2010 at 9:42 a.m.
My heart goes out to Joel's family. I knew Joel through work & church. I didn't know him really well but I know that he was a great guy. I know that Joel is with god & at peace.
May 19, 2010 at 3:14 p.m.
Dear God,
Please continue to give us comfort. I pray that you also give us wisdom, insight and understanding; guide and direct our every word, thought and action.
June 1, 2010 at 11:12 a.m.
Its not about the gun laws...
guns simply shall not be offered in stores for anybody.....
that is the mistake
and yall are just plain stupid...
What we also need is equality, jobs and the same share of wealth for anybody this all would bring the murder rate down....
June 5, 2010 at 3:17 p.m.
@Eye Opener
I understand all of your bla bla bla ....
I do have compassion though for all those gangbangers cause they are just trying to survive in this ghetto insanity while the rich is gettin richer... even if we did not have any guns people would grab a knife or baseball bat or whatever...
the main problem is the injustice in our society as far as wealth is concerned, ghettos should not even exist in a rich country like the USA think about it before you post,
but millions & billions of dollars are being made out of peoples misery....
you simply call this capitalism
and its a devils product...
June 5, 2010 at 3:24 p.m.
even 12 year old kids walkin around with a gun outhere and that is simply crazy, or does everybody find that right?
everything is going wrong in the US which could even go wrong,
its horrific
June 5, 2010 at 3:30 p.m.
@TheTruth
Its obvious from your reply that you know you lost this discussion.
You make no sense at all. From what you said, its not the gangsters fault they are killing each other, its the rich peoples fault. HUH?? Pull your head out. So its the amount of money in my pocket that determines if I'm going to go shoot someone....Yeah Right!
I'm sorry, unlike you I have NO compassion for any drain on society, i.e."gangsters".
You should learn to chose your battles a little better, because you are in way over your head in this one.
June 5, 2010 at 10:28 p.m.
Well, if you have a gun, there is a much greater chance you will use it, but thats as far as that goes.
June 6, 2010 at 2:40 a.m.
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