Leslie Lashall Lawson, a 50-year-old woman of African American ethnicity from Cincinnati, Ohio, tragically passed away on April 2, 2020. She was born on September 23, 1969, in Springfield, Ohio, and was married to her husband, Everett D. Lawson, for 29 years. Leslie was a beloved mother, grandmother, and sister who enjoyed spending time with her family and had a heart of gold.
The circumstances surrounding Leslie Lawson's death were particularly harrowing. On the night of her murder, Leslie was shot in the doorway of her Forest Park home by Timothy Williams, an 18-year-old who pleaded guilty to manslaughter and was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Williams claimed he had been injured in a car accident and asked for help, but after Leslie opened the door, he shot her. Williams fled the scene in a vehicle driven by Kerwin Heard.
Eyionna Leary, a 22-year-old woman and the mother of one of Leslie's grandchildren, was charged with orchestrating the killing. Leary had been arguing with Leslie through text messages and provided Lawson's address to Williams and Heard. She also sent Williams text messages saying, "kill her" and "I want this bitch dead," according to court documents. Leary faces multiple charges, including aggravated murder.
The case has seen significant legal developments, including the transfer of Williams' case to adult court and additional charges of tampering with evidence against him. The trial for Eyionna Leary is still pending, and the legal proceedings continue to unfold.
Leslie Lawson's death has left a profound impact on her family and community, and the pursuit of justice remains ongoing.
