On May 11, 37-year-old Kyle Leonard pled guilty to Murder 2nd Degree in Kent County Superior Court. Leonard was sentenced to 40 years in prison, suspended after 30 years for 6 months of work release or home confinement, followed by two years of probation.  

The conviction and sentence follow an investigation into Leonard fatally shooting his mother, with whom he lived, on January 7, 2022.   

“We cannot rest as long as domestic and gun violence continues to afflict our communities,” said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. “This was a tragic and disturbing crime that highlights the serious danger that exists at the intersection of gun violence and domestic strife. I’m thankful to our prosecutors and the Delaware State Police for securing justice in this case, and hope that it brings some peace to the victim’s family.”  

This sentence was secured by Deputy Attorneys General Stephen Welch and Kristin Dewalt with the assistance of Paralegal Nicole Rollins, Administrative Assistant Alexandra Spedden, and Social Workers Rebecca Scott and Sarah Wilson, following an investigation led by the Delaware State Police Homicide Unit.