Los Angeles, CA – A 2018 murder case that stretched across multiple investigations and spanned more than six years reached a major conclusion this week, as a Los Angeles County jury convicted Cherie Townsend in the stabbing death of Susan Leeds in Rolling Hills Estates.
According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to the “Promenade on the Peninsula” parking structure on May 3, 2018, where they found Leeds fatally stabbed inside her vehicle. Townsend was arrested on May 17, 2018, but the case was initially rejected by prosecutors pending further investigation.
In July 2022, the case was reassigned to new investigators, who re-evaluated evidence and interviewed additional witnesses. On August 16, 2023, the Sheriff’s Department presented updated findings to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, which then issued a warrant for Townsend’s arrest on murder charges. Townsend was located and arrested two days later.
The case moved to trial on November 12, 2025, in Torrance Superior Court, Department 8, under Judge John J. Lonergan Jr. On December 4, 2025, Townsend was convicted of first-degree murder in the killing of Leeds.
Sentencing is set for January 23, 2026.
Officials urge anyone with additional information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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