Leonidas Brown, a 32-year-old African American man from Burlington, NC, was tragically shot on December 20, 2017. Officers found him with a gunshot wound on Ross Street in Burlington, and he eventually succumbed to his injuries. The incident left his family devastated and seeking justice for years.
The man convicted of Leonidas Brown's murder is Litego Dariyonta Marshall, a 47-year-old African American man.
Marshall was charged with first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Despite being out on a $500,000 secured bond, Marshall failed to return to court during his trial on December 13, 2024. Consequently, an order for his arrest was issued, and the trial proceeded in his absence. Marshall was found guilty of first-degree murder and robbery with a dangerous weapon. He was last seen driving a silver 2008 Mercedes Benz C350 near Graham, NC, and is known to frequent both Burlington and Greensboro.
The family of Leonidas Brown has expressed their frustration and heartbreak over the lengthy legal process and Marshall's escape. Brown's cousin, Horace Flannigan, described the situation as a "hurricane of feelings," including fear and anger. The family had hoped that the conviction would bring them some closure, but Marshall's escape has left them feeling more disappointed and fearful than ever. Brown's mother, Constance Washington, has been particularly vocal about her pain and desire for justice, stating that she won't feel at peace until her son's killer is behind bars.
Marshall eventually turned himself in to the Burlington Police Department after being on the run for nearly two weeks. He is currently being held at the Alamance County Detention Center with no bond. The family of Leonidas Brown continues to hold onto his memory and legacy, hoping that justice will finally be served.
