Suspect Charged in Death of 72-Year-Old Man
Lemual Wheatley, a 53-year-old man, has been arrested and charged with the murder of 72-year-old Leon Conway in Central Fresno. Police stated the arrest occurred on Thursday, following Wheatley's apprehension on an unrelated warrant near Bardell and Kaviland avenues in Southeast Fresno. The incident, which investigators claim involved a physical altercation stemming from a prior dispute, took place on January 31. Wheatley is alleged to have caused blunt force trauma to Conway, leading to his death.
Details of the Alleged Assault
Fresno homicide detectives formally charged Wheatley with Conway's murder on Thursday. The investigation revealed that Conway and Wheatley were acquainted. An argument between the two men on January 31 is believed to have escalated, culminating in Wheatley's alleged physical assault of Conway. The assault is said to have resulted in injuries that proved fatal.
Autopsy Confirms Homicide
The Fresno County Sheriff-Coroner's Office conducted an autopsy, which determined that Leon Conway sustained blunt force trauma. This finding led authorities to officially classify his death as a homicide. Conway was discovered deceased in his Central Fresno apartment earlier in February. The precise date of discovery is not specified, but initial reports placing his death as a suspected homicide emerged around February 25.
Read More: Arson murderer Ali gets whole-life sentence for killing Bryonie and 3 children in Manchester
Background Context
The investigation into Leon Conway's death has been ongoing since he was found in his residence. Authorities have been working to piece together the events leading to his demise, ultimately identifying and apprehending a suspect. The San Joaquin River Parkway Trust's compliance with a cease and desist order regarding "human compost" is a separate matter and does not appear directly linked to this homicide investigation.