New Hearing Ordered in McLeod Murder Case Due to Withheld Evidence

Updated June 28, 2025
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Raymond Samuel McLeod Jr., 41, will receive a new hearing regarding the 2016 death of Krystal Mitchell, 30, at an Allied Gardens apartment. The new hearing was ordered as prosecutors failed to disclose possibly exculpatory evidence, according to McLeod’s attorneys. McLeod faces a murder charge in the strangulation death. The defense maintains⁤ the death⁣ was accidental, occurring during consensual sexual activity.

During the initial preliminary hearing, McLeod’s defense presented⁣ evidence related to his sexual history, including instances of consensual choking ‍with other partners, to support⁤ their claim of an accidental death. However, they now assert that prosecutors did not share data from Mitchell’s phone and computer, ⁢which allegedly showed her interest in similar sexual practices.

Deputy District Attorney Franciesca Balerio acknowledged the oversight during a Friday⁢ hearing,calling it “an inadvertent mistake.” ⁢Still, she moved⁤ to dismiss the current case and⁤ instantly refile the ‍murder charge. This allows the defense to re-argue their case, presenting the newly disclosed evidence ‍from Mitchell’s devices.

“While the People remain steadfast in our belief that ‍the ⁣evidence in this‍ case should ⁣result in ⁢a bind-over and murder ⁢conviction, we ⁣nonetheless⁢ strive to give the defense⁤ a full and fair possibility to present this details at a preliminary hearing‍ and safeguard ⁢the integrity of conviction on ‍appeal,” Balerio said.

McLeod,who remains‍ in custody without bail,pleaded not guilty⁣ to the refiled murder count. A new ⁤preliminary hearing is ⁣scheduled ‍for October. If convicted, he faces a sentence of 25 years ⁤to ⁢life in prison.

Alison Triessl, one of McLeod’s attorneys, stated that while they do not believe the evidence suppression was intentional,⁤ the repeated preliminary hearing creates a “huge disadvantage” for McLeod, both financially and in terms ⁤of extended incarceration.

Prosecutors previously argued that mcleod’s⁢ behavior the night of Mitchell’s death, coupled with his subsequent flight, demonstrated intent to murder. McLeod was on the⁢ U.S. Marshals’ 15 Most wanted List and was apprehended in El ⁤Salvador in 2022, where he⁤ was teaching English under an assumed name.

Prosecutors‍ also presented evidence⁢ that McLeod was⁤ aggressive toward Mitchell at a bar ⁤the ⁤night before her death, prompting intervention from other patrons. surveillance ⁢footage showed McLeod placing his hand on Mitchell’s throat ‍in the apartment complex elevator.

Defense attorneys contend that this interaction appears different when viewed in the context of the⁢ couple’s sexual history. ⁤”Without proper context,this act of Mr.McLeod placing his hand on Ms. Mitchell’s throat was ⁤portrayed⁣ as violent and a precursor to an intentional killing. Though, the images and memes shared between Mr. McLeod and Ms. Mitchell ⁤show this exact same behavior. Approval of this conduct is clearly established by ⁤their personal messages,” according to court documents.

Robert⁣ Sheahan, another of McLeod’s attorneys, previously argued ‍there were no signs of ⁢a struggle and that Mitchell ⁤did not appear to resist. He conceded McLeod should have called 911 but characterized his flight as the action of “a scared kid,” not‍ proof of guilt.

What’s next

The ⁤new preliminary hearing⁤ in October‍ will determine whether the case proceeds to ⁢trial,with the defense now able to present evidence from Mitchell’s electronic ⁤devices.