Auburn shooter Desmonte Leonard likely escaped home before raid, cops say

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Undated photo of Desmonte Leonard, 22, wanted for fatally shooting three people at a party near Auburn University on June 10, 2012

/ AP Photo/Auburn Police Division

(CBS/AP) MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Montgomery's police chief says authorities believe Desmonte Leonard, wanted in the killing of three people at a party near Auburn University, was in the Montgomery home they searched, but was able to get out by the time officers arrived.

Pictures: Suspect sought in Auburn shooting

Police Chief Kevin Murphy said a woman walked into the house late Monday, saw a man believed to be Leonard sitting on her sofa, and left to call 911.

Officials said it could have been 15 to 20 minutes before officers arrived and they believe he was gone before they got there. They searched the home, but found nothing.

Murphy said police are looking for a person who reportedly dropped Leonard off at the house.

Leonard, 22, is charged with three counts of capital murder in a shooting Saturday night during a pool party at the University Heights apartments. He allegedly fatally shot three people and wounded three others.

More on Crimesider:
June 12, 2012 - Auburn Shooting: SWAT team sent into home looking for suspect Desmonte Leonard
June 11, 2012 - Auburn Shooting: Manhunt underway for suspect Desmonte Leonard, Ala. police say