Seminole County: Life for Leekhan Bryan
Last week, following the jury's recommendation, the trial court sentenced Bryan to life imprisonment without parole (LWOP).
In June, a Seminole County jury convicted Leekhan Bryan of first-degree murder and other charges for crimes that occurred in 2021. The State sought the death penalty.
Last week, following the penalty phase, the jury unanimously determined that the State proved all five aggravating factors beyond a reasonable doubt:
The first-degree murder was committed while Bryan was engaged in the commission of a kidnapping or burglary.
The first-degree murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or effecting an escape from custody.
The first-degree murder was committed for financial gain.
The first-degree murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel.
The first-degree murder was committed in a cold, calculated, and premeditated manner, without any pretense of moral or legal justification.
Ultimately, the jury recommended a sentence of life imprisonment without parole (LWOP).
Following the jury’s recommendation, the Judge sentenced Bryan to LWOP.
