In the fall of 2022, a tragic event unfolded in Columbia, Missouri, forever altering the lives of a local family. On November 5th, 22-year-old Lea'Johna Carlea Sanders was killed in a violent act of domestic violence at her home. She was not the only victim that day; her grandmother, Laura Myers, also lost her life in the double homicide. The sole survivor of the horrific incident was Sanders' one-year-old son, who was present at the scene.
Lea'Johna, born on March 30, 2000, in Columbia,
was a graduate of Battle High School. Known for her infectious smile and love for music and dance, she was a dedicated mother and a certified nurse assistant who had worked in healthcare before taking a position at Amazon. She was remembered by loved ones for her optimistic nature and her love for her family.
The investigation into the deaths of Sanders and her grandmother led to the arrest of Cadilac Derrick. Evidence presented during the trial revealed a history of domestic violence, including threatening text messages sent by Derrick to Sanders in the months leading up to the murders. A 911 call from the night of the shootings also served as crucial evidence for the prosecution.
Ultimately, Cadilac Derrick was convicted for the killings. In November of 2024, a Boone County judge sentenced him to 62 years in prison. The conviction was on multiple felony charges, including first-degree involuntary manslaughter, voluntary manslaughter, second-degree domestic assault, and armed criminal action. While initially facing two counts of first-degree murder, he was convicted on these lesser charges.
