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Mother convicted of murder for cheer trip
Cherie Lynnette Townsend, 47, was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2018 stabbing death of Susan Leeds, 66, in a Rolling Hills Estates parking garage.
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - Cherie Lynnette Townsend faces 26 years to life in state prison on Friday for the fatal stabbing of a retired nurse in a Rolling Hills Estates shopping center.
What we know:
Townsend was convicted of first-degree murder with a weapons allegation for the May 3, 2018, killing of Susan Leeds.
Leeds was found in her Mercedes-Benz SUV at the Promenade on the Peninsula, having suffered 17 stab wounds to her neck and upper body.
Investigators discovered Townsend’s cell phone directly beneath the victim’s vehicle.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Woman found guilty in 2018 killing of nurse at Rolling Hills Estates mall
Trial testimony revealed Townsend was in financial distress at the time, with bank balances near zero and a history of bounced checks for her daughter's expensive cheerleading program.
A witness also testified to seeing Townsend at the mall that day, described as "staring" at her in a way that made her feel "something bad was going to happen."
What we don't know:
While the prosecution contended the motive was robbery, Leeds was still wearing her jewelry when found, and there was no evidence her credit cards or ID were used following the murder. Furthermore, no DNA or physical evidence from Leeds was recovered from Townsend’s vehicle, and the murder weapon was never recovered. The defense maintains Townsend is innocent, claiming there is no explanation for how her phone ended up under the car.
Timeline:
May 3, 2018: Leeds is fatally stabbed in a mall parking garage.
May 2018: Townsend is arrested but released five days later pending further investigation.
November 2018: Townsend files a federal lawsuit against LA County for false imprisonment and defamation.
August 2023: Townsend is re-arrested by the Sheriff's Department's Fugitive Unit.
December 2024: A jury finds Townsend guilty of first-degree murder.
January 23, 2026: Victim impact statements are heard by Judge John J. Lonergan Jr.
Today: Townsend is scheduled to receive her final sentence.
What's next:
Following the sentencing hearing before Superior Court Judge John J. Lonergan Jr., Townsend will be transferred to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to begin serving her term.
The defense has not yet publicly confirmed if they intend to appeal the conviction.
The Source: This report is based on courtroom testimony from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s homicide detectives, medical examiners, and eyewitnesses, as well as official statements from the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Information regarding the victim's family was gathered from impact statements delivered directly to the court during the sentencing phase. City News Service contributed.