Man Charged With Murder of Bicyclist in Sacramento

SACRAMENTO – A man who was taken into custody by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department for vehicle assault last week has now been charged with murder, as his victim has died from his injuries, according to an official press release.

Joseph Leonard, 60

Joseph Leonard, 60, has been in custody on a charge of attempted murder since June 6, 2013, for reportedly running over a man with his pickup truck after an altercation in the Arden Arcade area. The victim was pronounced dead the afternoon of June 8, 2013.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, on Thursday, June 6, 2013, Leonard was at a fast food restaurant at Howe Avenue and Arden Way and became involved in a fight with the victim and another man. As the 34-year-old victim rode away on a bicycle, Leonard reportedly ran him down with his pickup truck, and then kicked the victim in the head as he lay motionless and indefensible.

Leonard was reportedly detained at the scene by a witness to the incident and was taken into custody by Sheriff’s deputies upon their arrival.

The Sheriff’s Department is currently looking to identify and speak with the man the victim was with during the incident. It is believed he fled the scene in an effort to escape Leonard, who was chasing the other man and the victim in his car.

This subject is reportedly being sought as a witness and is not considered to have any culpability regarding actions that resulted in the victim’s death. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at 916-874-5115.

Read more:

CBS Sacramento:  Suspect Arrested for Murder After Running Over Bicyclist

Sac Bee:  Coroner identifies cyclist slain in fight with driver