Update

 

Attempted Homicide. Rape. 06-09-10. 6:20 P.M. 425 West 1720 North Provo. Walking trail next to Branbury Apartments.

  

Additional information concerning the attempted homicide and rape of the female victim.

 

The suspect approached the victim suddenly and demanded money. The victim attempted to call out for help. The suspect covered her mouth. The victim explained she had no money. The suspect told her to lie down and close her eyes so he could run away. The victim complied. The suspect then placed a ligature, a thick string, around her neck and dragged her into a concealed position in the trees. While being drug into the trees the victim lost consciousness. The suspect subsequently sexually assaulted her. While the victim was unconscious the suspect struck her about the head with a large football sized rock and a concrete block causing serious injuries to her cheek, jaw, eye and teeth. At some point in the assault the victim regained consciousness. The suspect once again strangled her with the ligature. The victim once again lost consciousness. As mentioned in previous press releases, the victim then crawled out of the concealed position where she was eventually discovered.

Officers responding to the scene were able to get a limited description of the suspect from the victim. Later we learned this description matched the physical description of a Shawn Leonard. Officers found an ankle bracelet with Mr. Leonard's name on it at the crime scene. It was an ankle bracelet worn by Utah County Jail work release participants. As mentioned in previous press releases Mr. Leonard was also a suspect in a robbery that had occurred in Provo.

In a combined effort by several Law Enforcement entities Mr. Leonard was eventually located and arrested in Mona, Utah on 06-11-10.

 

Physical evidence collected at the crime scene has linked Mr. Leonard to the Aggravated Attempted Murder and Aggravated Sexual Assault of the victim.

 

Officers responded to the Utah County Jail and added the requested charges of Aggravated Attempted Murder and Aggravated Sexual Assault to Mr. Leonard.

 

The victims condition is steadily improving. She is at home with her family.