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Posted: December 4, 2012

Man charged after girlfriend found dead in Nashville home

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Nashville, N.C. — A Nashville man was charged Tuesday after Nash County deputies found his girlfriend dead inside the house the two shared.

David Griffin Leonard, 65, was charged with first-degree murder and was being held without bond in the Nash County jail.

Deputies were called to a home at 7389 Cedar Grove School Loop Road at about 2:10 p.m. Authorities said they believe Leonard called deputies.

Leonard was standing on the porch when deputies arrived, and the body of Leasa Harper Smith, 41, was inside. Authorities said she had been shot to death.

No other information, such as a possible motive for the shooting, was released.

Web Editor: Matthew Burns

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3 Comments

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Did Mr. Leonard admit guilt? Authorities said they "believe" Leonard called deputies? How can we "assume" there was a mentality involved? Could there have been someone else involved? If not, then could there have been a struggle? Could the incident have been perprated by the woman and a struggle ensued in which she was shot accidentially? "No other information, such as a possible motive for the shooting, was released." Wouldn't it be nice to reserve assumptions until more facts about the case "are" released? My sympathies to both, and their families.

goalflinger
December 5, 2012 4:10 p.m.

Tragic; seems like we get this type of news several times a week. Condolences and prayers to her family and friends.

katbird1958
December 4, 2012 6:17 p.m.

another....divorce/breaking up would have been so much better. Enough of the 'if I can't have you no one can' mentality.