Anako Lumumba, a 33-year-old Black/African American woman, was found deceased in her South Burlington, Vermont, home on May 3, 2018. A nurse and mother of two, she had died from a gunshot wound to the head. The investigation into her death quickly focused on her boyfriend, Leroy Headley. Authorities were alerted to the situation by two pivotal phone calls.
One came from a relative of Headley in Falmouth, Massachusetts, who informed police that Headley had told family members he had killed his girlfriend. In a chilling confession, Headley himself also contacted 911 in Vermont and allegedly admitted to the crime.
By the time law enforcement arrived at the scene, Headley had already fled. His vehicle was later discovered abandoned in Albany, New York. Investigators believe he may have briefly considered taking his own life, as a suicide note addressed to his children was found. The relationship between Lumumba and Headley had reportedly deteriorated prior to her death. At the time of the killing, Headley was already facing serious legal trouble, as he was on court-ordered conditions of release for a pending charge of sexual assault of a minor.
The search for Leroy Headley evolved into an international manhunt. He was considered a dangerous fugitive with a history of assault and domestic violence. His ties to Jamaica, where he was originally from, as well as various locations across the United States and Canada, made the search extensive. In recognition of the severity of his alleged crime and his flight from justice, the U.S. Marshals Service added Headley to its "15 Most Wanted" list and offered a substantial reward for information leading to his capture. After nearly two years on the run, Headley was finally apprehended in Negril, Jamaica, in February 2020. He waived extradition and was returned to Vermont to face the charges against him. Upon his return, he pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder in the death of Anako Lumumba.
