A repeat offender with a violent history has been convicted of attempted murder.
A Logan County jury on Wednesday, Nov. 30, found Elijah T. Leeper, 22, of Bellefontaine, guilty of attempted murder, a felony of the first degree, based on events that occurred in West Liberty on Jan. 1 of this year.
According to the evidence presented during the trial, Leeper attacked and choked his girlfriend twice at a residence in West Liberty.
The defendant had become intoxicated at a celebration of life party in Bellefontaine, and called his girlfriend who lived in West Liberty. After she picked him up in Bellefontaine and returned to the West Liberty residence, Leeper became agitated and attacked her, choking her twice.
The jury also found Leeper guilty of two counts of felonious assault, both felonies of the second degree.
Leeper previously waived his right to a jury trial on charges of having weapons under disability, a felony of the third degree, and domestic violence, a felony of the fourth degree. Based on the evidence presented at trial, Judge Kevin P. Braig found Leeper guilty of those offenses.
Judge Braig set a hearing for Jan. 2, 2024, to consider whether the court should find the defendant to be a repeat violent offender and to impose a sentence on all the offenses.
The court also will hold a hearing on Leeper’s alleged violation of the terms of his probation in a prior case in which Leeper was convicted of felonious assault against a girlfriend.
Logan County Assistant Prosecutor Nathan Yohey represented the State of Ohio. Defense counsel Eric Allen of New Albany represented Leeper.
