Evangelina Angelique Ysiano, a 21-year-old resident of Banning, California, tragically lost her life on February 20, 2018. Evangelina, who was born on August 30, 1996, in Palm Springs, California, had spent her entire life in Banning. She was a dedicated Youth Development Professional at The Boys & Girls Club of America in Banning and was known for her involvement in her community and her Catholic faith, attending St. Kateri Tekakwitha Catholic Church.
The circumstances surrounding Evangelina's death were deeply distressing. She was fatally shot in her home by her ex-boyfriend, Devonta Eugene Leonard, who was 22 years old at the time. Leonard and Evangelina had been in a tumultuous relationship for seven years, which Evangelina ended in August 2017 due to Leonard's abusive behavior. Despite their separation, Leonard continued to harass and threaten Evangelina, as evidenced by nearly 2,500 text messages presented during the trial. These messages revealed Leonard's persistent demands and threats, including explicit threats to harm Evangelina if she did not comply with his wishes.
On the day of the incident, Leonard gained entry to Evangelina's residence on North Hathaway Street and opened fire with a handgun, fatally wounding her. Their four-year-old daughter was present in the home at the time but was not harmed. The prosecution highlighted Leonard's history of domestic abuse and his repeated threats to Evangelina's life, which culminated in this tragic event.
Following the incident, Leonard was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, child endangerment, and additional charges related to the use of a firearm and causing great bodily injury. In October 2019, a Banning jury found Leonard guilty of all charges after less than a day of deliberation. He was subsequently sentenced to 50 years to life in state prison by Riverside County Superior Court Judge Sam Shouka. The case underscored the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of addressing and preventing such behavior to protect potential victims.
