In January 2023, the life of William Michael Leach, a 49-year-old male, was tragically cut short in his Fayetteville, Georgia home. In a grim series of events, Leach was fatally shot while he was lying in his bed. The violence didn't end there, as a fire was intentionally set to the residence in an effort to obscure the crime.
Early the following morning, a passerby noticed the house on Porter Road fully engulfed in flames and alerted the authorities. As firefighters battled the blaze, law enforcement began their investigation into the suspicious fire. During this time, William's 23-year-old son, Griffin Michael Leach, drove past the burning home. A deputy with the Fayette County Sheriff's Office stopped him, finding his behavior suspicious.
Initially, Griffin Leach attempted to mislead investigators, claiming his father had set the fire himself after an argument and then taken his own life. However, the evidence uncovered during the investigation told a different and more sinister story. A. 38 special revolver was found in Griffin's truck, and forensic analysis confirmed it was the weapon used to kill his father. Further examination revealed the presence of gasoline on both the victim and his bedding, as well as on Griffin's clothing. Gunshot residue was also found on Griffin's hands and clothes.
Following a thorough investigation by the Fayette County Sheriff's Department and the Georgia State Fire Marshal, Griffin Leach was arrested and charged with murder and arson. He was subsequently found guilty of malice murder, felony murder, arson in the first degree, and concealing the death of another. For his crimes, he was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional 35 years.
