Woman Teamed Up with Her Sister to Butcher Ex-Boyfriend — Stabbing Him 52 Times: DA

An Oklahoma woman has admitted to the gruesome stabbing of her ex-boyfriend in Texas, a violent attack that left the victim with more than 50 stab wounds. Leah Breuer, 38, pleaded guilty on Monday to the murder of 44-year-old David Peeler, which occurred in April 2023 at the Village Square Apartments in McLennan County, about 100 miles south of Dallas. In exchange for her guilty plea, prosecutors recommended a 35-year prison sentence, which the judge overseeing the case accepted. The brutal nature of the attack and the involvement of Breuer’s sister in the crime shocked the community and left Peeler’s family devastated.

Sister Accused of Aiding in Murder and Cover-Up

Authorities say Breuer did not act alone. Her sister, 34-year-old Joann Cometsevah, faces charges of murder and tampering with evidence for her alleged role in the killing. Prosecutors allege the sisters conspired to kill Peeler and tried to hide their involvement. Court records show that after stabbing Peeler 52 times and leaving the knife lodged in his neck, Breuer’s sister removed the weapon and helped dispose of it, along with Peeler’s phone and other blood-soaked items. These were allegedly thrown into a dumpster to destroy evidence. Information about the cover-up came to light after a jailhouse informant told authorities that Breuer had confided in them while in custody. The informant’s testimony became key in piecing together the events following the murder.

Chilling Crime Scene and Emotional Court Hearing

Peeler’s body was discovered lying on a deflated air mattress inside his apartment. The extent of his injuries painted a disturbing picture — he had been stabbed in the torso and neck dozens of times in what prosecutors described as an act of rage and violence. Breuer’s attorney, Bryan Cantrel, acknowledged the severity of the crime, saying, “The facts of this case were brutal. He was stabbed 52 times. My heart is broken for this family. I feel like my client got up there and accepted responsibility, and I’m glad the case is over.” In court, members of Peeler’s family gave powerful victim impact statements. One of his younger sisters tearfully recalled, “I wonder how alone, betrayed, and scared he must have felt that day. I wonder how many of the 52 stabs he felt… There are no words to describe seeing your brother in his casket.”

A History of Domestic Trouble and Final Closure

This wasn’t the first instance of alleged violence between Breuer and Peeler. In October 2022, Breuer reportedly attacked him with a car key during a domestic dispute. However, charges were never filed in that incident. Prosecutors Ralph Strother and Duncan Widmann praised the work of local investigators, stating, “Thanks to the excellent investigation conducted by the Lacy Lakeview Police Department, and our office’s case work, we were able to secure a guilty plea. With this final conviction, we gained a lengthy sentence, a waiver of appeal, and ensured Mr. Peeler’s family had some closure without the difficulties of a trial.”