Newly disclosed court documents have unveiled the unsettling details surrounding the alleged murder of a Bloomington woman in her own residence.
The documents indicate that authorities responded to a call regarding a suspicious person at a residence located on E. State Road 45 in Monroe County around 1:30 a.m. on November 4. A concerned neighbor had reported a man yelling outside.
Upon their arrival, officers discovered 34-year-old Bryce Michael Leighton standing outside the house, with his hands and clothes smeared with blood. Leighton was reportedly uttering phrases related to his "baby."
Deputies present at the scene also noticed the lifeless body of 48-year-old Tara Langley lying in the garage. She was pronounced dead upon arrival. There was a substantial amount of blood around Langley's head, and an AR-15-style rifle was found on the ground.
Following these disturbing events, Leighton was taken in for questioning, and during the process, officers described him as "hysterical and difficult to comprehend." When asked about the incident, Leighton mentioned experiencing "flashbacks" and began sobbing while repeatedly mentioning his "baby."
Leighton narrated that he was attempting to leave the residence because Langley had consumed alcohol and became aggressive when intoxicated. He added that they had been in a relationship for the past seven years.
According to the probable cause statement, Leighton also explained that Langley had exhibited increased aggression when drinking over the last few months. Leighton claimed he was packing his belongings to depart when she confronted him.
Leighton further reported that he warned Langley not to approach him since she was holding a taser, but she did not heed his warning. Court documents reveal that when Langley activated the stun gun and it made a popping sound, Leighton experienced a sudden blur. He confessed to having the gun in his possession during the altercation.
Subsequently, the suspect was transported to the hospital, and a search warrant was executed at the crime scene. Investigators discovered blood droplets scattered throughout the garage, smeared stains on the door frame, the AR-15-style rifle on the floor, and an extensive array of bloodstains extending from the floor to the ceiling.
There was a discharged stun gun near the victim, and a stun gun was found close by. An autopsy for Langley was scheduled for November 6.
Investigators noted that the interior of the house was in a state of disarray, with broken furniture, appliances, and glass scattered throughout. Leighton has been charged with murder, and an initial hearing is scheduled for November 7 at 1 p.m.
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