Full Breakdown
California Mother Convicted of Murdering Retired Nurse in Attempted Robbery
12/9/2025, 12:24:19 PM
Overview of the Crime
Cherie Townsend, a 47-year-old California mother, was convicted of first-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of 66-year-old Susan Leeds during an attempted robbery on May 3, 2018. The incident occurred in the parking garage of the Promenade on the Peninsula mall in Rolling Hills Estates, California. Prosecutors stated that Townsend sought to steal $2,000 to fund her daughter's cheerleading trip to Florida, targeting Leeds as an "easy target" for the robbery.
Timeline of Events
- May 3, 2018: Susan Leeds is stabbed 17 times in her Mercedes-Benz SUV while parked at the mall.
- May 2018: Cherie Townsend is arrested but released six days later due to insufficient evidence.
- October 2018: Townsend files a lawsuit against the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, claiming false imprisonment and other grievances.
- August 2023: Townsend is rearrested for the murder after new evidence emerges.
- December 7, 2025: Townsend is convicted of first-degree murder.
- January 23, 2026: Townsend is scheduled for sentencing, facing 26 years to life in prison.
Evidence and Trial Proceedings
During the trial, prosecutors presented compelling evidence linking Townsend to the crime. Surveillance footage captured a gold Chevy Malibu, registered to Townsend, entering the mall at 9:40 a.m. on the day of the murder. The footage showed Townsend waiting until 12:12 p.m. to attack Leeds. Additionally, Townsend's cellphone was discovered at the crime scene, and DNA traces found on the device matched her profile.
Despite the evidence, Townsend's defense argued that there was no direct physical evidence, such as fingerprints or witnesses, to conclusively tie her to the murder. Townsend had initially claimed she was at the mall for her daughter but later changed her story, stating she was there for her son. These inconsistencies were highlighted by prosecutors as indicative of her guilt.
Financial Motive
Prosecutors emphasized Townsend's financial desperation leading up to the murder. They revealed that she had conducted online searches for illegal ways to raise money, including duplicating credit cards and robbing coin-operated machines. Townsend's attempts to secure funds included reaching out to her son’s former football coach about obtaining a fake ID and considering a GoFundMe campaign, which she ultimately dismissed due to concerns about her daughter's embarrassment.
Victim's Legacy and Family Impact
Susan Leeds, a retired nurse who dedicated her career to caring for patients with Type 1 diabetes, was remembered by her family as a kind and compassionate individual. Her stepson, Fred Leeds, expressed the profound impact of her murder, stating, “So many lives were impacted by this murder.” He noted that his father, who passed away in 2022, never witnessed justice for his wife.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the conviction, Townsend's defense maintained her innocence, arguing that the evidence presented was circumstantial. The prosecution, however, asserted that the combination of Townsend's financial motives and the evidence collected was sufficient for the jury's decision.
What's Next
Cherie Townsend is set to be sentenced on January 23, 2026, where she faces a potential sentence of 26 years to life in prison. The case has drawn significant public attention, highlighting issues of desperation and crime in pursuit of financial relief.
