Judge Delays Sentencing in Auburn Triple Killing

OPELIKA, Ala. (AP) – A Lee County judge is again delaying the sentencing of a Montgomery man convicted of killing two one-time Auburn University football players and a third man.

Judge Jacob Walker issued an order Friday saying Desmonte Leonard will now be sentenced on Jan. 20. Defense attorneys cited a scheduling conflict in asking for a postponement.

Leonard’s sentencing had been set for Jan. 7, and the judge previously delaying a sentencing date that was set in November.

Jurors convicted Leonard of capital murder in the shooting deaths of former Auburn football players Ed Christian and Ladarious Phillips along with DeMario Pitts. The three were slain during a party at an apartment complex near campus.

The jury recommended life without parole for Leonard, but the judge could still sentence him to death.

 

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