Chad Allen Reed, a 56-year-old Michigan landlord, received a life sentence without parole on Friday for the murders of his two tenants, Joseph Soule, 34, and Jaclyn Lepird, 31.
Reed’s claim of self-defense fell on deaf ears as the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder in Soule’s death and first-degree murder in Lepird’s.
Battle Creek Circuit Court Judge Sarah S. Lincoln delivered the stern sentence, including life without parole for the first-degree murder charge, followed by 125 years for the second-degree murder charge, citing Reed’s lack of remorse, his prior criminal history, and the brutal treatment of the victims and their bodies.
Trinity McAllister, Lepird’s sister, expressed relief, stating, “You can’t beat two life sentences. We’ll never have to see him again. We’ll never have to hear about him.”
The prosecution from Michigan painted a bleak picture of what transpired before the killings. During a dispute, Reed claimed self-defense, saying Soule had threatened him with a knife.
However, Reed’s actions after shooting Soule and subsequently chasing and brutally assaulting Lepird contradicted his defense.
According to Reed’s aunt, Lynn Marie Pemberton, he pursued Lepird, physically assaulted her, attempted to slit her throat, and finally strangled her, all to ensure there were no witnesses left alive.
Reed’s defense attorney, Susan Mladenoff, argued that the victims had a volatile relationship marked by substance abuse and frequent altercations.
Michigan Prosecutors Emphasized Reed’s Relentless Pursuit
Despite evidence of cocaine, alcohol, and COVID-19 in the victims’ systems, none contributed to their deaths, clarified medical examiners.
Michigan Prosecutors underscored Reed’s persistent efforts to pursue and silence Jaclyn Lepird, emphasizing his multiple attempts to eliminate her as a witness to the initial conflict.
Calhoun County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Tamara L. Towns stated, “He not only shot her, he chased her down. He hit her with a metal object. He tried to slit her throat. He then strangled her until life went out of her.”
The disappearance of the couple raised concerns when their relatives were unable to establish contact for five days.
The distressing revelations regarding Reed’s actions in Michigan profoundly startled the courtroom, contributing significantly to the judge’s decisive and stern sentencing verdict, culminating in the conclusion of a distressing and tragic trial.
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