Crime Solvers Central
CSC
263 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
Derek Leason death by force case profile photo

Derek Leason

Case from Newport-beach, CA dated Oct 22, 2020

Victim Details

Derek Leason

Male

White / Caucasian

Newport-beach

CA

2020-10-22

63

Derek

Leason

07/12/2026

Case Description

Any updates on this case? Let us know!
Derek Leason, a 63-year-old resident of Newport Beach, California, was found dead inside his home on October 22, 2020. The Newport Beach Police Department responded to reports of gunshots in the 20000 block of Orchid Street around 8 p.m. Upon arrival, officers discovered Leason's body inside the house. The investigation quickly led to the arrest of Rodney James Hartzel, a 57-year-old man from Irvine, who was taken into custody the following morning. The police have not disclosed the motive behin ...
MEMBER ACCESS

Continue reading the complete case summary

Unlock the full case narrative for Derek Leason, all available source links, additional videos, and member discussions.

Unlock Full Case Access — $3.97/month
Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in

Links to Additional Sources (6)

See any mistakes? Let us know!
  • Orange County Register: Man found shot to death inside Newport Beach house, suspect arrested
  • Derek Leason, age 63 - National Gun Violence Memorial
    • MEMBER ACCESS

    Unlock 4 additional sources

    View the complete collection of available reporting and reference links for this case.

    View All Case Sources — $3.97/month
    Cancel anytime.
    Already a member? Log in

    Latest News

    View All

    Forum Posts (1)

    Has anyone else been digging into the relationship (or lack thereof) between Derek Leason and Rodney... ...Read More
    03/28/2023
    MEMBER ACCESS

    Join the discussion for Derek Leason

    Read full forum posts and contribute to this case discussion.

    Unlock forum access — $3.97/month
    Already a member? Log in

    Other Cases from Newport-beach, California

    Robert Joseph Henry death by force case in Newport-beach, CA

    Robert Joseph Henry

    Death: Mar 12, 1995
    Robert Joseph Henry, a 30-year-old police officer from Newport Beach, California, tragically lost hi h ...Read More
    Darren Partch death by force case in Newport-beach, CA

    Darren Partch

    Death: Apr 21, 2019
    Darren Partch, a 38-year-old former minor league hockey player, was tragically found dead on April 2 ...Read More
    Reginald Hidalgo Fils death by force case in Newport-beach, CA

    Reginald Hidalgo Fils

    Death: Jul 26, 2024
    On July 26, 2024, 48-year-old Reginald Hidalgo Fils was found deceased in Newport Beach, California. a ...Read More
    William McLaughlin death by force case in Newport-beach, CA

    William McLaughlin

    Death: Dec 15, 1994
    William Francis "Bill" McLaughlin, a 55-year-old millionaire and medical innovator, was tragically m ...Read More