Morgan Leppert, 15, SAFE [Leppert & B/F BOTH SENTENCED TO LWOP] San Mateo, FL [Archive]

Faith

05-01-2008, 11:56 PM

Investigators Link Amber Alert, Putnam County Homicide
Putnam County 15-Year-Old Missing, May Be In Danger

POSTED: 5:23 pm EDT May 1, 2008

A 15-year-old girl missing from San Mateo, in southern Putnam County, may be with a 23-year-old man who authorities have named a person of interest in a homicide.

Late Thursday, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement issued a nationwide Amber Alert for Morgan Amanda Leppert, saying the girl is considered to be in danger.

Leppert has blond hair and blue eyes, is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 114 pounds. She was last seen on April 22.

Authorities believe the girl may be with a man she had been dating -- Toby Lowry, 23. A warrant has been issued for Lowry on charges of larceny and interference with child custody, with no bond and nationwide pickup.

Lowry is described as having blond hair and green eyes. He stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 190 pounds.

Investigators believe the two are traveling in an aluminum-silver 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with Florida tag number 193KLR.

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the truck is registered to 64-year-old James Thomas Stewart, who was found dead in his Cherry Laurel Drive home in the Melrose area at 10:24 a.m. Thursday.

http://www.news4jax.com/2008/0501/16118140.jpg

Putnam County deputies checking on the welfare of Stewart, who had not been seen for several days, found the man's body.

Investigators said, "foul play was apparent," but did not provide details of how Stewart was killed.

Investigation has revealed that Leppert and Lowry have been sited in the victim's vehicle within the past two days and that the two may have traveled to the Houston area of Texas, according to PCSO.

"We have information that they might be in a certain vehicle, and we got a few hits from officers or from other states running this tag number and we think it may be in Texas. Again, we're not certain of that at this point," PCSO Capt. Rick Lashley. "She could be anywhere in the United States right now."

Lowry has been name a person of interest in the homicide investigation of Stewart's death.

Anyone with information about either Leppert or Lowry is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0800 or the FDLE Missing Children Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/16118012/detail.html#

Faith

05-02-2008, 12:30 AM

Melrose Man Killed In His Home

MELROSE, Fla. -- Putnam County deputies checking on the welfare of a Melrose man who had not been seen for several days found him dead in his home.

The sheriff's office said they found the body of 64-year-old James Thomas Stewart in his Cherry Laurel Drive home at 10:24 a.m. Thursday.

Investigators said 'foul play was apparent," but did not provide details of how he was killed.

Putnam County detectives along with crime-scene technicians with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and state attorney and medical examiner investigators were all working at the scene of the homicide.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/16113243/detail.html

Faith

05-02-2008, 12:31 AM

Tallahassee, Florida - Police have issued a mising child alert for 15 year old Morgan Leppert, who was last seen in San Mateo, Florida. Leppert is 5 feet 1 inches tall, weighs 114 pounds and has blond hair with blue eyes.

Officers say Morgan may be traveling with 23 year old Toby Lowry. Lowry is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs 190 pounds and has blonde hair with green eyes.

Officers say the two may be headed to Houston, Texas in a 2003, aluminum-silver, Toyota Tacoma. It has Florida tag number 193KLR.

If you have any information, call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0800 or dial 911.

http://www.tampabays10.com/news/local/article.aspx?storyid=79479

TigressPen

05-02-2008, 07:41 AM

I hope they find this child safe!!

Faith

05-02-2008, 08:37 AM

Amber Alert Issued For Putnam Teenager

UPDATED: 7:11 am EDT May 2, 2008

PALATKA, Fla. -- An Amber alert was issued on Thursday night for a missing girl from Putnam County.

Detectives said Morgan Leppert, 15, disappeared with Toby Lowry, 23, a man she was dating.

Authorities said Lowry has been linked to a slaying in a previous murder investigation, and they believe he may have stolen Leppert's silver 2003 Toyota Tacoma.

The truck has Florida tag number 193-KLR.

Leppert is a white female and just over 5 feet tall. She weighs 114 pounds, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

Lowry is described as a white male, 6 feet, 2 inches tall. He weighs 190 pounds, with blonde hair and green eyes.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0800 or the FDLE Missing Children Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING.

http://www.wesh.com/news/16128690/detail.html

Faith

05-02-2008, 08:46 AM

MySpace URL:

http://www.myspace.com/morgans_man

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/2.jpg

Myspace
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=43175988
http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/1-1.jpg

Faith

05-02-2008, 09:00 AM

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/l_1a1cce93f723487772f54c5300c9e7e6.jpg

Faith

05-02-2008, 09:02 AM

Notice the date---Date Missing: 4/22/2008

Amber Alert issued May 1, 2008

Roamer

05-02-2008, 09:03 AM

He has nothing to lose at this point, so let's hope she is found safely and very soon.

packy

05-02-2008, 09:12 AM

Notice the date---Date Missing: 4/22/2008

Amber Alert issued May 1, 2008

That didn't help to issue it that long after the disappearance. Hope they get a break soon.

Faith

05-02-2008, 09:42 AM

It appears they are gf/bf and Morgan ran away with Toby on 4/22/08 but after the murder of Mr. Stewart an Amber alert was issued. I haven't found a missing/run away report for 4/22/08.

Detectives said Morgan Leppert, 15, disappeared with Toby Lowry, 23, a man she was dating.

Authorities said Lowry has been linked to a slaying in a previous murder investigation, and they believe he may have stolen Leppert's silver 2003 Toyota Tacoma.

I am confused on the above article b/c it was said the truck was registered to Mr. Stewart.
http://www.wesh.com/news/16128690/detail.html?rss=orl&psp=news

According to the Putnam County Sheriff's Office, the truck is registered to 64-year-old James Thomas Stewart, who was found dead in his Cherry Laurel Drive home in the Melrose area at 10:24 a.m. Thursday.
http://www.news4jax.com/news/16118012/detail.html#

Faith

05-02-2008, 09:45 AM

I pray Morgan is safe and will be found soon. This is truly a mothers nightmare for Morgan & Toby's mother.

Faith

05-02-2008, 10:23 AM

Just In

Putnam slaying, missing girl and boyfriend prompt nationwide search
Posted: Friday, May 2nd, 2008 at 8:39 am

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/trio.jpg

Authorities have issued a nationwide search for a 15-year-old Putnam County girl and her 22- or 23-year-old boyfriend believed to be in the stolen pickup of a homicide victim.

A missing child Amber Alert was issued Thursday night for Morgan Amanda Leppert of San Mateo, gone since April 22. It lists her as endangered and likely with Toby Lowry in a silver 2003 Toyota Tacoma, extended-cab pickup truck with Florida tag number 193KLR. Lowry is listed on the alert as 23, but 22 on the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office news release.

Putnam authorities are linking the case to the death of 66-year-old James Thomas Stewart, found dead Thursday morning in his Melrose home on Cherry Laurel Drive. His manner of death has not been released but the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said foul play was apparent.

A warrant has been issued on Lowry for interference with child custody and larceny in the grand theft of the Tacoma pickup registered to Stewart, the Sheriff’s Office said.

The couple has been sited in the vehicle within the past two days as far away as Texas.
Anyone with information in the case can call the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office at (386) 329-0800.
http://news.jacksonville.com/justin/2008/05/02/putnam-slaying-missing-girl-and-boyfriend-prompt-nationwide-search/

Faith

05-02-2008, 12:12 PM

http://www.foxnews.com/images/root_images/050208_amberalert.jpg
Alert issued for Morgan Amber Leppert, 15, believed to have run off with Toby Lee Lowry, 22 — in their wake, police say, is a murdered 66-year-old man.

Teen's Disappearance Linked to Murder of Senior Citizen

Friday, May 02, 2008

Police have linked the disappearance of a Florida teen with the murder of a senior citizen.

Florida officials now believe that the April 22 disappearance of Morgan Amanda Leppert, 15, of San Mateo, Fla., is linked to the murder of a 66-year-old Melrose, Fla., man found dead on Thursday.

The body of James Thomas Stewart was found Thursday morning in his Melrose home by Putnam County Sheriff's deputies. Officials found Stewart's phone number on a phone belonging to Leppert.

An Amber Alert was issued April 22 for Leppert and her 22-year-old boyfriend Toby Lee Lowry. Police believe Lowery stole Stewart's 2003 Toyota Tacoma with the Florida license plate 193 KLR.

Officials said the vehicle was last seen Thursday in Katy, Texas.

A warrant for Lowry's arrest has been issued on charges of grand theft auto and interference with the custody of a child.

Leppert is described as a white woman, 5-foot-1, 114 pounds with blonde hair and blue eyes. Lowry is a 6-foot-2, 190-pound white man with blonde hair and green eyes.

Autopsy results for Stewart are expected Friday afternoon.
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,353963,00.html

KittyMom

05-02-2008, 12:14 PM

This doesn't sound good.

Faith

05-02-2008, 12:19 PM

This doesn't sound good.

No, this is a tragedy.

Grande

05-02-2008, 01:13 PM

Missing Girl Had Slain Man's Number In Her Cell Phone
POSTED: 10:55 am EDT May 2, 2008

PALATKA, Fla. -- The 15-year-old girl whose disappearance triggered a nationwide Amber Alert was last seen Thursday in Texas riding in a pickup truck stolen from a man found slain in his Putnam County home. Investigators also say they found a call made from the dead man's home to the girl's cell phone.

Thursday night, Putnam County named Lowry a person of interest in the death of 66-year-old James Thomas Stewart. Authorities found him dead in his Melrose home Thursday morning. They have not said how he died, but added, "Foul play was apparent."

Putnam County Sheriff Dean Kelly said that early in the investigation into Leppert's disappearance, tracked a call to her phone from Stewart's home and deputies visited the house. Getting no answer at the door, they left a business card. When they returned Thursday and found Stewart dead, they immediately made the connection and became very concerned for the missing girl.

"We were were on it, looking diligent for her, but just like any investigation, you develop new information, it turns things up -- it turns the priority of things up," Kellly said.

When deputies discovered Stewart's silver, four-door 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck was missing, they entered it in a national crime information database. Putnam County investigators said they received reports the vehicle had been sighted three times on Interstate 10, with the latest report being at 12:30 a.m. Thursday in Katy, Texas.

"We're not certain of (their location) at this point," PCSO Capt. Rick Lashley said. "She could be anywhere in the United States right now."

Putnam County has issued warrants for Lowry, charging him with grand theft of the vehicle and interference with custody of a child. Leppert remains the subject of a nationwide Amber Alert.

Leppert has blonde hair and blue eyes, is 5 feet 1 inch tall and weighs 114 pounds.

Lowry is described as having blond hair and green eyes. He is 6 feet 2 inches tall and 190 pounds.

Putnam County deputies found Steward dead in his Cherry Laurel Drive home after getting a request to check on his welfare.

Channel 4 learned that Lowry has a criminal history and was released last summer after serving a 20-month sentence for burglary and criminal mischief in Clay County.

On Lowry's have MySpace Web page, last updated April 22 -- the day Leppert was reported missing -- he calls himself "Baddest m*****f***** in Palatka." His page also contains posts from Leppert, calling herself "Blue-eyed Devil," professing her love for him.

Anyone with information about either Leppert or Lowry is asked to call the Putnam County Sheriff's Office at 386-329-0800 or the FDLE Missing Children Information Clearinghouse at 888-FL-MISSING. Anyone who sees either of them or the truck is asked to call 911.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/16132976/detail.html

Faith

05-02-2008, 11:31 PM

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/Toby1.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/Toby2.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/Toby3.jpg

http://i286.photobucket.com/albums/ll116/helpfindthemissing/Toby4.jpg

Kaylynn

05-03-2008, 01:53 AM

Wow, that is quite a few felonies.

Faith

05-03-2008, 11:03 PM

Slaying is linked to Amber Alert; ‘Person of interest,’ missing 15-year-old girl may be in Texas
By Ron Bartlett

An Amber Alert issued for a missing Putnam County teenager may hold the key to a slaying in West Putnam.

A 22-year-old San Mateo man and his 15-year-old girlfriend, who law authorities said were seen Thursday in Texas, remained persons of interest in the killing of a Melrose man.

An Amber Alert was issued for the girl, Morgan Amanda Leppert, a few hours after the body of James Thomas Stewart was discovered Thursday morning inside his home at 109 Cherry Laurel Drive in Melrose.

While working the Amber Alert, investigators with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office discovered that the license plate of Stewart’s truck matched a vehicle traveling west on Interstate 10 carrying Leppert and her boyfriend, Toby Lee Lowry.

Investigators additionally discovered that a phone call was made from Stewart’s home phone to Leppert’s cell phone.

The question investigators now want answered is the relationship, if any, between Stewart and the couple.

“That’s what we would love to know,” Maj. Keith Riddick, chief of detectives with the sheriff’s office and a department spokesman, said Friday. “We don’t know what the nexus is.

“I don’t know if there was a relationship or if they were just hitching and got a ride.”

Riddick said investigators have credible information that Lowry and Leppert have been hitchhiking around the county since April 22, the day Leppert was reported missing. He added that Lowry used to live in Melrose and his parents still do.

When the tag for the stolen 2003 Toyota Tacoma was entered into the National Crime Information System, several “hits” occurred where the tag had been run recently by various law enforcement agencies. Riddick said the responses came along the I-10 corridor with the last response occurring Thursday in Katy, Texas.

While the sheriff’s office is not disclosing Stewart’s cause of death, it was confirmed that violence was apparent.

“He died as a result of a violent interchange n that’s all I’m going to say,” Riddick said. “We’re are not going to give the exact cause of death. There are things that happened in that residence that we need to keep confidential as part of the investigation.”

Deputies went to Stewart’s home Thursday morning after family members said they had not heard from him in several days.

The discovery was made a few hours later when a key to house was obtained. It is still unknown how long he had been dead.

The truck appears to only item missing from Stewart’s home, Riddick said.

“(Stewart’s) wallet is intact,” he said. “There doesn’t appear to be anything else stolen at this time.”

Lowry has a felony criminal history with several arrests for burglary and petit theft, though no violent aggravated batteries or aggravated assaults.

“He is known to law enforcement and has been for awhile,” Riddick said. “He’s a convicted felon with some burglaries.”

New warrants have been issued for Lowry charging him with grand theft of a vehicle and interference with the custody of a child.

It is unknown how long Lowry and Leppert have been dating. Lowry reportedly lived with Leppert in her mother’s home for several weeks, Riddick said.

“Her boyfriend has lived at the house before,” he said. “Her mother has known about him for a few months. She didn’t condone it. That’s why she broke it off.”

Lowry and Leppert have profiles on the social networking site myspace.

Lowry’s site is adorned with drug and marijuana imagery, with Leppert occupying the first spot on his “friends” list.

Leppert appears to have sent Lowry messages referencing marijuana smoking and her love for him.

On Leppert’s myspace site, she states, “I wish I was wrapped up in his arms again.” Her name on the page is Blue-eyed Devil.

A current-mood icon on the site shows that the last time she was logged in, Leppert was feeling “sneaky,” while Lowry was “excited.”

The last myspace login for both Leppert and Lowry was April 22, the same day Leppert was reported missing.

Despite the circumstances, Riddick said he is not ready to call Lowry and Leppert suspects.

“They are still a missing person and a person of interest that are in a vehicle that belongs to a dead man,” he said. “They are two people we definitely need to talk to.”

Anyone who has information about this case or the couple's location is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 329-0800 or Crime Stoppers, (888) 277-TIPS (8477).

Stewart’s death was the fifth homicide in Putnam County this year.
http://www.palatkadailynews.com/articles/2008/05/03/news/news01.txt

emmeblu

05-04-2008, 01:11 AM

How sad. Wonder if the 15 y/o is involved in this man's murder. If she is that wrapped up in her b/f, she may have assisted him. Just saying. :0009: It happens you know.

Hope that authorities do find this duo really soon. I'd hate for there to be another tragedy.

Faith

05-04-2008, 10:28 AM

Florida Amber Alert Ends in El Paso

posted by Crystal Gutierrez KDBC 4 News

A 15-year-old missing Florida teen was found in El Paso on Saturday. Detectives said she was foung with her alleged boyfriend, 22-year-old Tobey Lee Lowry and a truck that was stolen from a 66-year-old man who is now dead.

The pair's pictures had been posted on a recent amber alert. El Paso Police told KDBC 4 News that an El Pasoan saw the amber alert that weekend, then recognized the girl and instructed police they near the intersection of Gateway West and Yarborough.

Police say the teen, Morgan Amanda Leppert, was placed under the care of Child Protective Services. Lowry was arrested and charged with one county of fugitive from justice.

Detectives from Putnam County in Florida were on their way to El Paso Saturday night. When they do arrive both the teen and Lowry will be turned over and placed in their custody.

Lowry faces two warrants out of Florida, for grand theft and interference with custody of a child.

Investigators will also look into if Lowry or possibly Leppert had any connection with the death of the man who's truck they were seen in.
http://www.kdbc.com/Global/story.asp?S=8267497&nav=menu608_2_3

Faith

05-04-2008, 11:16 AM

Missing Teen, 22-Year-Old Boyfriend In Custody In Texas

POSTED: 7:43 pm EDT May 3, 2008
UPDATED: 8:46 am EDT May 4, 2008

PALATKA, Fla. -- A 15-year-old Putnam County girl who was the subject of a nationwide search and her 22-year-old boyfriend were picked up by police in El Paso, Texas, Saturday afternoon.

A motorist recognized Morgan Amanda Leppert and Toby Lee Lowry after seeing a television report of the Amber Alert and called police just after 4 p.m.

Officers said Leppert, Lowry and a third person they believe was a hitchhiker were panhandling just off Interstate 10.

The stolen 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup they were driving was found nearby. The pickup belonged to 66-year-old James Stewart, who was found violently killed in his Melrose home on Thursday.

Putnam County Sheriff Dean Kelly said Leppert is in good shape physically and emotionally.

"I've spoken with her mother, who is obviously elated that she is safe," Kelly said.

Putnam County investigators had searched for the San Mateo teenager since her mother reported her missing on April 22, but the case was elevated to an Amber Alert when deputies made the connection between her disappearance and the homicide.

Lowry has a lengthy criminal history, with arrests in both Putnam and Clay counties. He was released last summer after serving a 20-month sentence for burglary and criminal mischief.

Deputies received three reports of the stolen vehicle headed west on I-10, the most recent was early Thursday morning near Houston.

The man who spotted the couple Saturday afternoon said he turned around to get a better look at them before he called authorities.

"I was pretty sure I recognized them from the TV show this morning," Stacey Fuller told Channel 4. "I pulled over up a little and got the sheriff's number and explained to him what I'd seen and that I though it was the couple I'd seen on TV."

Putnam County Capt. Keith Reddick said Lowry was being held on existing warrants charging him with grand theft of the vehicle and interference with custody of a child. Lowry is also considered a person of interest in the Stewart homicide case.

Texas authorities said Lowry, Leppert and the third person were also being held on panhandling charges.

An investigator with the 7th Judicial Circuit Homicide Investigative Unit was already in Texas on Saturday working on the case. He will be joined by a Putnam County detective and hope to interview Leppert and Lowry as soon as possible.

"The interviews that are about to take place in the next 24 to 48 hours are absolutely critical and, hopefully, will answer all the questions we all have," Kelly said Saturday night.

http://www.news4jax.com/news/16151568/detail.html

LiveLaughLuv

05-04-2008, 01:13 PM

Putnam County Capt. Keith Reddick said Lowry was being held on existing warrants charging him with grand theft of the vehicle and interference with custody of a child. Lowry is also considered a person of interest in the Stewart homicide case.

Although she went willingly (at least it sounds like she did), I wonder if any kidnap across state line charges, along with corrupting a minor charge, statutory rape charges (if they had been intimate)?

I sure hope for her sake they did not murder that man whose truck they had.

Faith

05-06-2008, 06:06 PM

Florida Cops Charge Man, Missing Girl in Death of Senior Citizen

Tuesday, May 06, 2008

MELROSE, Fla. — North Florida authorities charged a 15-year-old girl, who was the subject of an Amber Alert, and her boyfriend with fatally beating, stabbing and suffocating an older man.

Putnam County Sheriff Dean Kelly said Tuesday at a news conference that a first-degree murder warrant had been issued for Morgan Amanda Leppert, who is in custody with her boyfriend in El Paso, Texas, charging her with the slaying of 66-year-old James Stewart.

State Attorney John Tanner said it will be up to a grand jury whether to charge Leppert as a juvenile or adult.

Her boyfriend, Toby Lowry, 22, will be extradited on charges of grand theft auto for stealing Stewart's pickup and interference of custody. Lowry will be charged with first-degree murder when he returns to Florida, authorities said.

Authorities did not know if Leppert or Lowry had lawyers.

The couple was picked up in El Paso Saturday evening when a motorist spotted them after seeing the Amber Alert and called police.

The 2003 Toyota Tacoma pickup that authorities say they stole from Stewart was found nearby. He was found dead Thursday in his home in Melrose, about 20 miles east of Gainesville. Police also believe they took money from Stewart.

Stewart was beaten with two metal rods, stabbed several times and suffocated with a plastic bag over his head.

Putnam County investigators had been searching for Leppert since she was reported missing on April 22. The case was elevated to an Amber Alert when deputies made a connection between her disappearance and Lowry.

Officials said Lowry has a lengthy criminal history and was released from prison last summer after serving a 20-month sentence for burglary and criminal mischief.

Putnam County investigators interviewed Leppert and Lowry in Texas on Sunday.

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,354338,00.html

Faith

05-07-2008, 08:14 AM

http://www.news4jax.com/2008/0506/16178557_240X180.jpg

Brother Speaks Out In Defense Of 15-Year-Old Murder Suspect

POSTED: 10:42 pm EDT May 6, 2008

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. -- Hours after the Putnam County Sheriff's Office announced that 15-year-old Morgan Leppert and 22-year-old Toby Lowry are suspected of killing a disabled man, the teen's older brother spoke out in his sister's defense.

Last week, Leppert was at the center of a nationwide Amber Alert; however, three days after she and her boyfriend, Lowry, were picked up in Texas, the Putnam County sheriff said both are charged with first-degree murder in the death of 66-year-old James Stewart.

Leppert and Lowry were picked up in El Paso just after 4 p.m. Saturday when a motorist recognized the couple from seeing a national news report and called 911.

Leppert's brother, Howard Hunt, told Channel 4 the ordeal has been an emotional roller coaster for the family.

"Some of the news stories have been portraying her out to be something that she's not. I mean, she does not have a violent bone in her body. She wouldn't harm a mouse," Hunt said.

However, Putnam County Sheriff Dean Kelly painted a much different picture at a Tuesday afternoon news conference, during which officials said Leppert acted as the ruse to get into Stewart's home after she and Lowry cased the man's home and learned he had trouble hearing.

Investigators said Leppert knocked on Stewart's door, said her car had broken down and asked to use the phone. That call was made to her own cell phone -- the connection between her disappearance and the homicide that led Putnam County to issue the Amber Alert.

Investigators said the pair wanted to steal Stewart's truck and killed him to get it.

Kelly said that Stewart was beaten with two metal rods, stabbed several times and suffocated with a plastic bag. The details of the killing were withheld from the public until after investigators had a chance to interview Lowry and Leppert.

"Of course, there are always suspicions, but until we had more facts, we had to error on the side of caution and treat her as an endangered missing child," Kelly said.

Kelly praised the national news media for getting out the Amber Alert information, which resulted in the capture of two people now charged with murder.

"My sister is young. She is the type to be easily manipulated. I don't think that she was there when allegedly the murder took place," Hunt said.

He said it was around Christmas when his family learned his sister had been lying about the Lowry's age, telling them that the 22-year-old was only 17.

Once Leppert's mother forced the two to end their relationship, he said no one knew the two continued to secretly date behind their backs.

"She was naïve. She didn't know what she was doing. She thought she was in love, and he brought her down a path of destruction. He should be the one paying for this, not her," Hunt said.

Steadfast in his beliefs, Hunt insisted not only was Lowry the mastermind in the whole thing but also that his sister was a victim who was terrified into playing along.

"This older guy pretty much took advantage of her and corrupted her, and that's what I believe happened," Hunt said.

He also said that authorities have not let them talk to Leppert since she was taken into custody in Texas.

Lowry and Leppert remain in El Paso, Texas, where Lowry was being held on charges of car theft, interference with custody of a child and panhandling. Leppert does not face charges in Texas, but had been held in protective custody by juvenile authorities since Saturday night.

Previous Stories:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/16181885/detail.html

KittyMom

05-07-2008, 08:28 AM

WOW. What a terrible thing they've done. What kind of fight could a disabled guy put up?

LiveLaughLuv

05-07-2008, 08:33 AM

Was she a willing partipant or manipulated?

Investigators said Leppert knocked on Stewart's door, said her car had broken down and asked to use the phone. That call was made to her own cell phone -- the connection between her disappearance and the homicide that led Putnam County to issue the Amber Alert.

Investigators said the pair wanted to steal Stewart's truck and killed him to get it.

Kelly said that Stewart was beaten with two metal rods, stabbed several times and suffocated with a plastic bag. The details of the killing were withheld from the public until after investigators had a chance to interview Lowry and Leppert.

"Of course, there are always suspicions, but until we had more facts, we had to error on the side of caution and treat her as an endangered missing child," Kelly said.

What they did to that man was just horrible. Her family paints her as naive, was forbidden to see this guy, lied about his age to her family. I don't know what she could have been thinking if she did go along with this willingly. If she did, they both deserve what they get!

KittyMom

05-07-2008, 10:13 AM

I think she a willing participant. She could've call 911 instead of her own cell.

packy

05-07-2008, 03:21 PM

If she went along with the ruse, it does seem she was willing but may not have known a murder would happen. How sad and horrible for that poor man. Why kill?

Grande

05-07-2008, 03:30 PM

Defendant Detail
LOWRY, TOBY LEE

SO Number: 9370411
DOB: 12/17/1985
Address: 942 ST ROAD 26
Address: MELROSE, FL 32666
Facility: JAIL - DOWNTOWN
Confinement Time: 02:03:56
Cell Number: 0430
Release Date: CURRENTLY DETAINED
Release Type: N/A
Release Comments: N/A

Charge No. 1

Offense Date: 5/3/2008
Arrest Date: 5/4/2008
Charge: FFJ/FLORIDA
Holds: N/A
Warrant Number: M08W3737
Issuing Authority: MC5C
Bond Amount: NOBOND
Disposition Comments: TO BE PICKED UP 05/08/08 @2300HRS BY CERTIFIED PRISONER TRANSPORT (904-276-0101)//MC3487////NOTIFIED NANEZ-EPPD & WAIVER OF EXTRADITION 050508 LG2901

Faith

05-07-2008, 06:44 PM

Amber Alert Girl Now a Murder Suspect
Missing Girl, 15, Allegedly Stabbed and Suffocated 'Easy Mark' With Boyfriend, 22
By DAVID SCHOETZ
May 7, 2008

A Florida grand jury will decide whether a 15-year-old girl whose disappearance triggered an Amber Alert should be tried as an adult in the murder of a man she and her boyfriend allegedly beat and suffocated.

Authorities in Florida issued arrest warrants on first-degree murder charges against the teenager, Amanda Morgan Leppert, and Toby Lee Lowry, 22. Authorities say the couple fled the state April 25 in a stolen pickup truck belonging to murder victim James Thomas Stewart, 66.

Both remain in custody in El Paso, Texas, where police found them Saturday, 1,600 miles from home, panhandling by an interstate highway after a motorist recognized Leppert from a nationally publicized Amber Alert.

Stewart was found dead inside his Melrose, Fla., home May 1. His Toyota Tacoma was missing from his driveway. An autopsy found that he had been beaten, stabbed and suffocated before he died, authorities said.
http://abcnews.go.com/US/story?id=4805230&page=1

Faith

05-07-2008, 06:46 PM

Amber Alert Teen Now Suspect In Fla. Man's Murder
Cops Say 15-Year-Old Girl, Her Boyfriend Brutally Murdered Older Man
MELROSE, Fla. (AP) ― A North Florida teen who was the subject of a nationwide Amber Alert now faces a first degree murder charge, CBS station WFOR-TV in Miami reports.

http://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/31/2008/05/02/320x240/AMBERGIRL.jpghttp://llnw.image.cbslocal.com/31/2008/05/02/320x240/AMBERALERTSUSPECTGUY.jpg

Morgan Amanda Leppert, 15, and her 22-year old boyfriend, Toby Lowry, were found and then arrested in Texas for the murder of 66-year old James Stewart of Melrose.

Putnam County officials say Leppert and Lowry beat, stabbed and finally suffocated Stewart more than a week ago; they then stole his truck. A nationwide alert went out for Leppert after she disappeared with Lowry. Police in El Paso found the couple after spotting the stolen truck.

The state attorney's office has said it will be up to a grand jury to decide whether Leppert will be charged as a juvenile or adult in Stewart's death.

Lowry will be extradited on charges of grand theft auto for stealing Stewart's pickup and interference of custody. He will also be charged with first-degree murder when he returns to Florida.

Video

http://cbs11tv.com/national/amber.alert.murder.2.718306.html

Faith

05-08-2008, 02:19 AM

Amber Alert Teen To Face Murder Charge
Couple Allegedly Beat, Stabbed & Suffocated Elderly Man
MELROSE (CBS4) ― A North Florida teen who was the subject of a nationwide Amber Alert now faces a first degree murder charge.

15-year old Morgan Amanda Leppert and her 22-year old boyfriend, Toby Lowry, were found and then arrested in Texas for the murder of 66-year old James Stewart of Melrose.

Putnam County officials say Leppert and Lowry beat, stabbed and finally suffocated Stewart more than a week ago; they then stole his truck. A nationwide alert went out for Leppert after she disappeared with Lowry. Police in El Paso found the couple after spotting the stolen truck.

The state attorney's office has said it will be up to a grand jury to decide whether Leppert will be charged as a juvenile or adult in Stewart's death.

Lowry will be extradited on charges of grand theft auto for stealing Stewart's pickup and interference of custody. He will also be charged with first-degree murder when he returns to Florida.
http://cbs4.com/local/amber.alert.Morgan.2.717770.html

LiveLaughLuv

05-08-2008, 09:33 AM

She needs to hope and pray she gets convicted under juvenile status.

Roamer

05-08-2008, 09:36 AM

It's amazing what a young girl can be talked in to by an older man.

LiveLaughLuv

05-08-2008, 09:39 AM

It's amazing what a young girl can be talked in to by an older man.

Or the things they do for love?????

Roamer

05-08-2008, 09:40 AM

Or the things they do for love?????

Exactly. Although her lawyers will say she was coerced and intimidated.

Faith

06-11-2008, 01:42 PM

Teen 'Ain't Got Nothing To Say' About Murder Charge

POSTED: 11:29 am EDT June 11, 2008

http://www.news4jax.com/2008/0611/16572338_240X180.jpg
Morgan Leppert, 15, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 66-year-old Melrose man in April.

PALATKA, Fla. -- A 15-year-old girl once the focus of a nationwide Amber Alert appeared in court Wednesday on charges she killed a Melrose man before fleeing the state with her boyfriend.

Morgan Leppert was initially reported as missing, then became the subject of a nationwide Amber Alert when she was seen in a pickup truck stolen from James Stewart after he was found dead in his Melrose home. Putnam County deputies also found Stewart's phone number during a review of her recent cell phone calls.

http://www.news4jax.com/2008/0501/16118140_128X150.jpg
James Thomas Stewart

Three days after she and her boyfriend, Toby Lowry, 22, were picked up panhandling in El Paso, Texas, they were both charged with murder and extradited to Florida.

"I ain't got nothing to say," Leppert told Channel 4's Laura Mazzeo as deputies escorted the shackled teenager out of the courthouse after a status hearing.

She did not appear in court last month when she was arraigned. Her attorney entered a plea of not guilty.

Putnam County Sheriff Dean Kelly has said that Leppert acted as the ruse to get into Stewart's home after she and Lowry cased the man's home and learned he had trouble hearing.

Kelly said the pair wanted to steal Stewart's truck and killed him to get it.

Investigators said Stewart was beaten with two metal rods, stabbed several times and suffocated with a plastic bag.

Leppert's older brother, Howard Hunt, said the family had tried to get her to end her relationship with Lowry when they learned he was much older and had a criminal record.

"My sister is young. She is the type to be easily manipulated. I don't think that she was there when allegedly the murder took place," Hunt told Channel 4 last month.

Because of her age, Leppert could not face a death penalty if she is convicted.

Lowry is awaiting trial on charges of first-degree murder, auto theft, interference with custody and panhandling.

http://www.news4jax.com/2008/0510/16225860_180X135.jpg
Putnam County Sheriff's Office booking photo of Toby Lee Lowry

A status hearing in his case is scheduled for Thursday, but prosecutors said his appearance was waved. The state could seek the death penalty against Lowry.

tiny 4 logoMazzeo is talking with Leppert's brother and others involved in the case and will have complete reports on Wednesday's developments on the local station beginning at 5 p.m.

Previous Stories:
http://www.news4jax.com/news/16571758/detail.html

Faith

08-14-2009, 02:43 AM

Teen faces murder charge

Posted: Monday, August 10, 2009 ;
Updated: 10:28 PM on Monday, August 10, 2009

A Putnam County 16-year-old faces possible life imprisonment in a first-degree murder trial set to open today in the Flagler County courthouse in.

Morgan Amanda Leppert was 15 when she and her boyfriend, Toby Lee Lowry, 23, became the subject of a national Amber Alert in 2008.

Authorities first thought Leppert might be in danger. Later she and Lowry were arrested in Texas and faced murder charges in the 2008 killing of James Thomas Stewart, 66, in his home in Melrose.

Lowry pleaded guilty in January of this year to avoid facing the death penalty.

Leppert's trial was moved to Bunnell because of concerns about pre-trial publicity.

Circuit Judge Edward Hedstrom will hear the case. Pretrial conferences were held Friday at the Kim C. Hammond Justice Center in Bunnell. Today jury selection begins at 9 a.m.

Leppert is represented by attorney Christopher Smith. State prosecutors include Chris France, Mark Johnson and Brad Waldrop.

Stewart's body was found in his home on May 1, 2008, after he had not been heard from for several days. He had been beaten, stabbed multiple times and suffocated with a plastic bag, according to investigators.

Authorities say Leppert and Lowry robbed the older man and then stole his truck. The two were reportedly living in the woods behind his house.

Melrose is a small unincorporated community which is located where the corners of Putnam, Alachua, Marion and Clay counties meet.

InSession (formerly CourtTV) is scheduled to cover the session, according to courthouse officials.

http://www.staugustine.com/stories/081009/news_1836544.shtml

Faith

08-14-2009, 02:46 AM

Teenage Murder Suspect Heads to Trial
By
Rich Jones, News Director
@ August 10, 2009 6:56 AM Permalink | Comments (0)

16 year old Morgan Leppert sparked a nationwide Amber Alert when she disappeared with her boyfriend last year.

Now the Putnam County teen is on trial for a brutal murder.

Jury selection begins today in Flagler County, where the trial has been moved because of publicity.

Leppert is accused of killing 66 year-old James Stewart in Putnam County so she could steal his truck and run away with 23 year-old Toby Lowry.

Leppert is not facing the death penalty because of her age, but she is being tried as an adult.

Her boyfriend pleaded guilty and is serving a life sentence.

http://wokv.com/localnews/2009/08/teenage-murder-suspect-heads-t.html

Faith

08-14-2009, 02:46 AM

Amber Alert Teen on Trial for Murder
Posted By: Jessica Clark Posted By: Gary Detman Created: 8/10/2009 1:16:57 PM Updated: 8/10/2009 8:23:10 PM

BUNNELL, FL -- Testimony begins Tuesday in the trial of 16-year-old Morgan Leppert.

She is on trial for the murder of 66-year-old James Stewart in Melrose in Putnam County.

There was an Amber Alert issued for Leppert, then 15, in May 2008. She was found in Texas with her boyfriend Toby Lowry days later.

Both were arrested for the murder of Stewart.

Stewart was found in his home stabbed to death.

During jury selection Monday, prosecutor Chris France said the trial may wrap up by Thursday.

Leppert took notes during jury selection.

Her attorney, Christopher Smith, asked prospective jurors their thoughts on "guilt by association" and the defendant's right to remain silent.

In opening statements Monday afternoon, prosecutor Mark Johnson told jurors Leppert ran away from her San Mateo home to be with her boyfriend, Lowry. The two lived in the woods for a while.

Johnson said Leppert wanted to leave Florida but had no money or transportation.

Johnson said Leppert cased and scoped out Stewart's home after he let her inside to make a phone call. Johnson said she called her own cell phone on Stewart's phone.

Leppert did not know Stewart, the victim.

Later that night, Johnson said, Lowry and Leppert got into Stewart's home, beat, stabbed, and suffocated him.

Johnson said Leppert eventually confessed in a statement to detectives to hitting, stabbing, and robbing Stewart of money and his truck keys.

Johnson told the jury, "The most shocking thing you will hear in the statement is the victim deserved what he got."

Leppert's attorney, Smith, told jurors Leppert was a child who was told what to do by an adult (Lowry).

"The evidence will show," Smith said, "at no time did this 15-year-old child , who fell under the spell of a 22-year-old man, make any choice. She was acting totally under the direction on this individual and she lacked intent to commit any of these offenses."

"Specifically," Smith concluded, "there will be no evidence she is the one who caused the death of James Stewart in this case."

Lowry ultimately pleaded guilty and will now testify against Leppert. He received life in prison.

The murder trial has been moved to Bunnell in Flagler County due to pre-trial publicity.

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/local/news-article.aspx?storyid=143123&catid=3

Faith

08-14-2009, 02:51 AM

Murder Weapons' Shown To Jury
Testimony Begins In Trial Of 16-Year-Old

http://www.news4jax.com/2009/0811/20358944_240X135.jpg
Morgan Leppert listens as prosecution witnesses describe the scene they found inside the house where James Stewart was killed.

BUNNELL, Fla. -- Crime scene investigators testified Tuesday about the violent death of a 66-year-old man killed in his Melrose home last year in the second day of the trial of 16-year-old Morgan Leppert.

Prosecutors also showed the jury photos of James Thomas Stewart's body and what they called the murder weapons: metal curtain rods, a kitchen knife and the plastic bag they said was used to suffocate Stewart.

"After we removed the plastic bag, it was obvious there was extreme trauma to the head," said Steve Leary, a retired analyst with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who was helped process the crime scene.

Leppert and her 23-year-old boyfriend, Toby Lowry, were accused killing the disabled man, then stealing his truck and taking off on a cross-country trip.

Robert Bruckner testified that he was hitchhiking when Leppert and Lowry picked him up and agreed to take him if he panhandled for gas money.

He said he didn't know the truck was stolen, and he said Leppert told him she was 18 and pregnant.

http://www.news4jax.com/2008/0501/16118140_154X180.jpg

He said Leppert seemed to have control over Lowry.

"She smacked him several times while we were in the truck driving down the road," Bruckner said. "She seemed to be in control of him more than anything. He would do as she said, absolutely."

He said she once hit him for ordering her fast food burger wrong.

"It came back no pickles and tomatoes, and she opened it up and said, 'What was this?' and she smacked him for it," Bruckner said. "What was his reaction to that? 'I'm sorry. I'm sorry.' And he went back and ordered another one for her."

Bruckner admitted that he drinks a gallon of beer a day.

The defense attorney suggested Bruckner's drinking habit may have interfered with his memory.

Prosecutors said Leppert had run away from home and was living with Lowry in the woods behind Stewart's home. They said the pair got inside Stewart's home because she went to his door and asked to use the phone to call her mother.

Video: http://www.news4jax.com/sh/images/ibs_icon/post/video.gifWitnesses Testify (http://www.news4jax.com/video/20361632/index.html)

Stewart's body was found the same day that an Amber Alert was issued for Leppert, listing Lowry as a "companion adult." Days later, the couple was found driving Stewart's truck in Texas.

Lowry pleaded guilty in April and is currently serving a life sentence. In a videotaped confession, Lowry told detectives that he and his blond-haired, blue-eyed girlfriend hit Stewart with a pipe, stabbed him with a knife, then put a garbage bag over his head.

He is scheduled to testify against Leppert later this week.

http://www.news4jax.com/2009/0811/20362012_240X180.jpg
Prosecutor Mark Johnson shows the jury a kitchen knife he said was one of the weapons used on James Stewart.

In opening statements on Monday, defense attorneys told the jury that Leppert was only 15 and that her older boyfriend, Toby Lowry, was the mastermind, directing all her actions.

"At no time did a 15-year-old child who is not old enough to make a decision such as this and fell under the spell of a 22-year-old man make any any choice in this matter," attorney Christopher Smith said. "She acted totally under the direction of this individual and she lacked the intent to commit any of these offenses."

Due to pretrial publicity, Leppert's trial was moved to Flagler County, but Stewart's family told Channel 4 they feel it was still being held too close to Putnam County.

Not only is there regional interest in the case, but truTV (formerly CourtTV) is recording the trial for coverage on its national cable network.

If convicted, the state cannot seek the death penalty because Leppert is a juvenile.

Previous Stories:

August 10, 2009: Girl Emotional As Murder Trial Begins (http://www.news4jax.com/news/20339214/detail.html)
June 12, 2009: Teen Murder Suspect Back In Court (http://www.news4jax.com/news/19738726/detail.html)
June 4, 2009: Teen's Murder Trial Postponed, Moved (http://www.news4jax.com/news/19657456/detail.html)
March 13, 2009: Police Release Murderer's Confession Tapes (http://www.news4jax.com/news/18920501/detail.html)
March 5, 2009: Trial Date Set For Girl Accused Of Murder (http://www.news4jax.com/news/18864415/detail.html)
January 23, 2009: Putnam Man Pleads Guilty To Murder (http://www.news4jax.com/news/18549043/detail.html)
June 13, 2008: Man Accused Of Murder Attempts Suicide (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16599311/detail.html)
June 11, 2008: Teen 'Ain't Got Nothing To Say' About Slaying (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16571758/detail.html)
May 16, 2008: 15-Year-Old Accused Killer Booked In Jail (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16291318/detail.html)
May 10, 2008: Putnam Ex-Con Booked In Melrose Slaying (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16225886/detail.html)
May 6, 2008: Brother Speaks Out In Defense Of 15-Year-Old Murder Suspect (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16181885/detail.html)
May 6, 2008: 15-Year-Old Girl, Ex-Con Boyfriend Charged With Murder (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16174273/detail.html)
May 5, 2008: 22-Year-Old Under Arrest In Texas; 15-Year-Old Won't Be Charged (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16159823/detail.html)
May 3, 2008: Missing Teen, 22-Year-Old Boyfriend In Custody In Texas (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16151568/detail.html)
May 2, 2008: Missing Girl Had Slain Man's Number In Her Cell Phone (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16132976/detail.html)
May 1, 2008: Investigators Link Amber Alert, Putnam County Homicide (http://www.news4jax.com/news/16118012/detail.html)

http://www.news4jax.com/news/20359030/detail.html

texanne

08-14-2009, 06:10 PM

What a shame when one so young turns so bad. She made decisions...there was no gun to her head. She must now face her punishment. It really is a crying shame.

Emyo

08-14-2009, 08:06 PM

nanabillie

08-15-2009, 08:31 PM

http://theendofthestory.facesofthemissing.org/

The end of the story

It is alleged that Leppert participated in the following according to State Attorney Mark Johnson:
…Leppert beat Stewart with two metal pipes, then picked up the knife and tried to stab him twice more in the chest. As Stewart lay gasping for air, Leppert went to the kitchen to retrieve a garbage bag, which Lowry tied around the dying man’s head to suffocate him… 3 (http://theendofthestory.facesofthemissing.org/2009/08/13/fl-v-leppert-lowry-victim-james-stewart/#footnote_2_139)

The defense claims Morgan Leppert was controlled by Lowry and he knew the victim and had a verbal altercation with Stewart the day of the murder. According to Leppert’s attorney, Lowry planned to harm Stewart because he believed he had been disrespected by him.

August 13, 2009: 12:30 p.m. PST

Without the defense calling any witnesses closing arguments were heard this morning. The case was handed to the jury at lunch time and 90 minutes later they had a verdict.

She was also found guilty of burglary with assault or battery with a deadly weapon. All this because she wanted to steal James Stewart’s truck so she could leave Florida and be with Lowry.

August 13, 2009: 11:30 p.m. PST
Reporters did not mention Morgan Leppert’s reaction to the verdict in earlier reports. This evening they are mentioning the following reaction:
As reality set in, Morgan Leppert’s sobs echoed through a Flagler County courtroom Thursday afternoon.4 (http://theendofthestory.facesofthemissing.org/2009/08/13/fl-v-leppert-lowry-victim-james-stewart/#footnote_3_139)

According to reports, Morgan Leppert will be the youngest girl in Florida’s prison system when she is sentenced to life in prison on September 29.

texanne

08-15-2009, 10:47 PM

There had to be signs early on that this girl was that mean and evil. Someone had to die before something was done.

LiveLaughLuv

08-16-2009, 08:14 AM

http://www.news4jax.com/video/18928339/index.html

http://www.jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-08-13/story/putnam_girl_16_convicted_of_1st_degree_murder

Putnam girl, 16, convicted of 1st-degree murder
Morgan Leppert will be sentenced to life in prison
By Paul PinkhamStory updated at 12:49 PM on Friday, Aug. 14, 2009

from the link provided:

BUNNELL — As reality set in, Morgan Leppert’s sobs echoed through a Flagler County courtroom Thursday afternoon.

The Putnam County teenager will receive an automatic and mandatory life prison sentence after a jury’s first-degree murder verdict. The self-described “redneck cowgirl” will be the youngest girl in Florida’s prison system. She also was convicted of robbery and burglary.

The jury of five men and one woman apparently didn’t buy her childlike appearance and claims that her adult boyfriend, Toby Lowry, directed the robbery and murder of a disabled Melrose man last year. At the time, Leppert was 15 and a runaway from her San Mateo home; Lowry was 22.

“The level of violence that she and Toby Lowry reached, that trumped her age,” Assistant State Attorney Chris France said after the verdict, reached in about 90 minutes.

James Thomas Stewart, 66, was beaten, stabbed, stomped and suffocated in his home after Leppert and Lowry showed up to steal his pickup truck so they could leave Florida. They were caught about a week later in Texas after an alert motorist recognized Leppert from a nationwide Amber Alert.

Circuit Judge Ed Hedstrom scheduled sentencing Sept. 29 in Palatka. The trial was held in Bunnell because of publicity in Putnam County.

Lowry already is serving a life sentence after pleading guilty to first-degree murder. He agreed to testify against Leppert, but neither side called him during her four-day trial.

Leppert’s attorney, Christopher Smith, vowed to appeal on several grounds, including the admission of her taped statements to police and the jury having six instead of 12 members. He told Hedstrom he also plans to challenge whether a mandatory life sentence is constitutional for a juvenile, an effort to preserve that issue for appeal.

“I was hoping that they would look at her age and circumstances and realize that Mr. Lowry was totally in control of this situation,” Smith said afterward.

Smith called no witnesses but argued throughout the trial that Lowry ordered Leppert to case the house then return with him to rob Stewart and never let her out of his sight during their cross-country trip. He said Leppert’s immaturity and infatuation with Lowry left her vulnerable to the wiles of a man who already had spent time in prison for burglary.

Leppert’s the best example of why the law protects 15-year-old girls from adult men, Smith said.

“It is sad and tragic that Morgan hitched her star to him, and this was the man she thought she loved. But 15-year-old girls, I’m sorry to say, don’t really know what love is,” Smith told jurors.

“It’s not reasonable to expect a child of her age, her immaturity, her level of education ... to witness something like that and make the choice, 'I’m just going to walk away.’ ”

Jurors had the option to convict her of lesser homicides such as second- or third-degree murder or manslaughter. Smith said prosecutors proved third-degree murder, nothing more. He said Leppert had no intent to kill Stewart and inflicted no serious injuries when she hit him with an aluminum curtain rod.

But France told jurors even if that were true, she would still be guilty of felony first-degree murder because she was a principal participant in the burglary and robbery that led to Stewart’s murder. In fact, France contended, Leppert is guilty of premeditated murder because the plan revolved around her desire to run away and she did nothing to walk away or stop the attack.

“ 'I’d do anything to get out of Florida’ is what she said,” France argued, comparing the couple to Bonnie and Clyde. “Her desires, in her mind, have no consequence. ... She controlled everything.”

The prosecutor pointed out that Leppert convinced her mother to let Lowry move in and share her bed when she was 14. She dropped out of school after eighth grade. And when her mother found out Lowry’s age and record and threw him out, Leppert ran away with him.
“When did she ever do what she was told?” France wondered.

He said her waifish appearance and childlike behavior were an act she put on to get what she wanted.

Both Leppert’s family and Stewart’s family wept as the verdict was announced. Stewart’s relatives turned and thanked investigators. Both families declined interviews after court.

Florida Department of Corrections spokeswoman Gretl Plessinger said the state’s youngest female inmate was born in November 1992. Leppert was born two months later.

The department houses young females declared youthful offenders in a special dorm at Lowell Correctional Institution in Ocala, where they are segregated from the general population. Either the judge or the department can make the youthful offender determination, Plessinger said.

Roamer

09-30-2009, 04:23 AM

http://www.news4jax.com/news/21145273/detail.html

Teen Sentenced To Prison For Life

Morgan Leppert Found Guilty In August Of Murder, Burglary, Assault

POSTED: Tuesday, September 29, 2009
UPDATED: 9:30 pm EDT September 29, 2009

(http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/#)

PALATKA, Fla. -- A 16-year-old girl cried Tuesday morning as she was sentenced to life in prison without possibility of parole for killing a 66-year-old disabled man so she and her 22-year-old boyfriend could take his money and truck.

Morgan Leppert initially confessed to investigators to helping her adult boyfriend kill 66-year-old James Stewart last year so they could run away to California together.

The two never made it that far. Since a nationwide Amber Alert was issued for Leppert, they were spotted in Texas still driving Stewart's truck and arrested on suspicion of panhandling. The two were returned to Putnam County to face charges.

Leppert later pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder, burglary and assault, but a jury found her guilty of all charges.

The state could not seek the death penalty because Leppert is a juvenile, but was convicted as an adult of first-degree murder.

(http://helpfindthemissing.org/forum/#)

Prosecutors said Leppert and her then 22-year-old boyfriend, Toby Lowry, beat, stabbed and suffocated Stewart.

(http://helpfindthemissing.org/video/21152573/index.html)

Lowry pleaded guilty to avoid the death penalty and had agreed to testify against Leppert, although the state did not call him to the stand during Lowry's trial.

Leppert broke down and cried Tuesday as she listened to victim-impact statements from Stewart's brother and nephew. They both called Stewart a man who would do anything to help others and invented ways to thrive despite being born without hands.

"Not that it will bring my brother back, but this (sentence) will help bring some sort of closure to this thing," said the victim's brother, Mike Stewart.

Defense attorney Christopher Smith told the judge he plans to appeal, saying a life sentence without parole in not appropriate in light of her age.

He had previously said he will a challenge the conviction because the trial was heard by a six-member jury for a capital offense.

Lowry is already serving a life sentence without parole.