Leonard Stricklin, a 37-year-old African American male, was tragically shot and killed on January 31, 2020, in his apartment located in the Austin neighborhood on the West Side of Chicago, IL. The incident occurred during a domestic altercation with his 43-year-old girlfriend, who also resided in the same apartment. According to reports, the altercation escalated into a physical fight, during which Leonard Stricklin was shot multiple times, resulting in his death.
The medical examiner's office ruled his death a homicide due to multiple gunshot wounds.
The Chicago police responded to the scene and arrested the 43-year-old woman, who was found to have a valid state firearms identification card and a license to carry a concealed weapon. During the investigation, it was revealed that both Leonard Stricklin and the woman were armed with .357-caliber revolvers. The woman claimed that the altercation began as a verbal dispute, which escalated when Leonard Stricklin allegedly shoved her into a wall and threatened to kill her. She stated that she fired the shots in self-defense.
Despite the initial arrest, the state's attorney's office decided not to file charges against the woman. After a thorough review of the evidence and facts presented by law enforcement, the state's attorney's office concluded that there was insufficient evidence to support the filing of criminal charges. The woman was released from custody approximately 24 hours after her arrest. The case was treated as a first-degree murder investigation by the police, but ultimately, no charges were filed against the suspect.
The incident highlights the complexities and challenges involved in domestic violence cases, particularly when both parties are armed. The decision not to file charges was based on the evidence available at the time, which suggested that the woman acted in self-defense during the altercation. Leonard Stricklin's death remains a tragic example of the potential consequences of domestic disputes escalating into violence.
