UPDATE: A 47-year-old woman has been found guilty of first-degree murder in the shocking 2018 stabbing death of a retired nurse in a mall parking structure in Rolling Hills Estates. On December 4, 2023, after hours of deliberation, jurors convicted Cherie Lynnette Townsend for the brutal killing of 66-year-old Susan Leeds, who was stabbed 17 times and had her throat slashed.
This verdict marks a significant moment for the community, as it was the first murder in the area in nearly a decade. Prosecutors argued that Townsend was desperate for money to fund her daughter’s cheerleading trip to Florida, prompting her to target Leeds as a vulnerable victim. Evidence presented included Townsend’s Google searches and text messages that indicated a premeditated intent to find a target.
On the morning of May 3, 2018, Leeds had just attended a workout class and was shopping at the nearby Promenade on the Peninsula mall. Prosecutors noted that Townsend had made several key Google searches that day, including inquiries about the mall and its amenities, revealing a potential plan to commit the crime.
According to authorities, moments before the attack, Townsend was observed in the parking structure, waiting for Leeds to return to her vehicle. As Leeds approached her car around 12:12 p.m., Townsend launched a surprise attack from behind, leading to the tragic outcome.
Witnesses reported seeing Townsend’s gold Chevy Malibu exit the parking structure hastily, cutting off other vehicles and running a red light. License plate reader cameras tracked her car’s movements, further implicating her in the crime. However, Townsend’s defense attorney argued that there was no direct evidence, such as DNA or fingerprints, linking her to the murder scene, claiming detectives focused solely on her without exploring other leads.
The prosecution painted a picture of a desperate mother, highlighting Townsend’s financial troubles that drove her to commit this heinous act. Evidence included notes on her phone revealing her emotional state, stating she felt “completely broken” due to lacking $2,000 for her daughter’s travel expenses.
Townsend was initially arrested on May 17, 2018, but released as authorities sought more information. She was re-arrested in August 2023. The trial revealed that the murder weapon has never been found, and no conclusive physical evidence directly implicated Townsend.
As she awaits sentencing, which is tentatively scheduled for January 23, 2024, Townsend could face a maximum of 26 years to life in prison. This case has stirred significant emotions in the local community and raises questions about safety and justice in public spaces.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as we await the sentencing of Cherie Lynnette Townsend.
