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Mother Convicted of Murder to Fund Cheerleading Trip

12/9/2025

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Story summary
  • Cherie Townsend was convicted of first-degree murder for fatally stabbing retired nurse Susan Leeds 17 times during an attempted robbery at a California shopping mall on May 3, 2018.
  • Townsend sought to steal $2,000 to fund her daughter's cheerleading trip.
  • DNA found on a cellphone also linked Townsend to the crime after an initial release in 2018.
  • Townsend will be sentenced on January 23, facing 26 years to life.