State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Leonard Allen Lafleur Jr. was convicted after jury trial of Attempted Murder In The First Degree With A Firearm.  The crime was committed on October 14, 2023, and investigated by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.  The trial was held at the Manatee County Judicial Center on May 11, 2026, through May 14, 2026.

The crime carries a maximum possible sentence of life in prison.

The minimum mandatory sentence is 25 years in state prison.

Sentencing is scheduled for a date to be determined.

This incident began as an attempted robbery of the victim and ended with the victim hiding in a nearby wooded area as he was being shot at by the defendant. The defendant fired 15 rounds, striking the victim 5 times in his arm and legs. The victim survived the shooting and continues to suffer with injuries more than 2 years later.

The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough, commented, “This case highlights the importance of community involvement and a willingness to provide information to law enforcement as a witness cooperated with law enforcement to identify the defendant and provide witness testimony. Without this witness involvement, the defendant may have never been identified and brought to justice.”

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough in the Manatee County office at 941-747-3077.