In March 2023, a jury found Annette Harvey guilty of first-degree murder by premeditation, first-degree murder during the commission of a felony, and especially aggravated burglary. The jurors reviewed over 150 pieces of evidence, finding beyond a reasonable doubt that Harvey fatally stabbed psychology professor Robin Leonard in January 2021.
The jury concluded that Annette Harvey intended to kill Robin Leonard
Harvey contended during the trial that she didn’t intend to kill Leonard. Via her attorney, Don Spurrell, Harvey claimed that she was suffering from delusions when she got into an altercation with Leonard. “Annette Harvey did not have the soundness of mind to think her way into the commission of a crime,” Spurrell said.
ADA Dennis Brooks disagreed, saying Harvey murdered Leonard in cold bold. “That’s a decision by this woman to kill Robin Leonard,” Brooks contended. “That was a decision. Bad enough to stab her 15 times, but leave her for dead. Deny her the ability to ask for help.” The jury agreed with the prosecution. Harvey faces the possibility of life in prison when she appears for sentencing on May 1, 2024.
Lara Leonard, Robin’s sister, thanked the DA’s office for finding justice for Leonard. “It will never bring her back. It will never make it okay. But, we realize the hard work of everyone involved and I know that she’s grateful for that too,” she said.