Tony de los Reyes, a businessman and part-time jazz musician, was tragically murdered on September 10, 1981, in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, California. He was shot in the head by a shotgun blast in what was later revealed to be a contract killing. The incident occurred in the parking lot of 14646 Ventura Blvd, and Tony succumbed to his injuries at the nearby Sherman Oaks Hospital.
At the time of his death, Tony resided at 1527 Palm, San Gabriel.
The investigation into Tony's murder uncovered a complex web of criminal activities involving several individuals. LAPD Officer William Leasure was charged with arranging the murder at the behest of Tony's ex-wife, Paulette de los Reyes. Dennis France, the hitman who carried out the shooting, testified that Leasure had orchestrated the killing. According to France, Leasure waited in a car in the back alley with the engine running while France, armed with a shotgun, confronted Tony. When Tony did not comply with France's demand to hand over his wallet, Leasure instructed France to shoot, leading to Tony's death.
Further investigations revealed that Tony de los Reyes had previously hired Leasure to arrange the murder of his stepfather, Gilberto Cervantes, several years earlier. Additionally, Tony had attempted to solicit the murder of his wife, Paulette. These revelations painted a picture of a man deeply entangled in criminal activities, which ultimately led to his own demise.
The legal proceedings following Tony's murder were extensive. William Leasure faced multiple charges, including the contract killings of Tony de los Reyes and another victim, Ann Smith. Leasure's wife, Assistant City Attorney Betsy Mogul, was also implicated in his criminal activities, facing charges of felony perjury. Dennis France, who had been granted immunity from prosecution, provided crucial testimony that helped unravel the case. Paulette de los Reyes, Tony's ex-wife, was charged with hiring Leasure to arrange Tony's murder. If convicted, both Leasure and Paulette faced the possibility of the death penalty.
The case against Leasure and his accomplices highlighted the corruption and criminality within the ranks of law enforcement. Leasure, a veteran police officer, had used his position to facilitate and cover up his illicit activities. The investigation into Tony de los Reyes' murder ultimately exposed a broader network of crime, including insurance fraud and a statewide yacht theft ring, further complicating the legal battles that ensued.
