Snapped: Women Who Murder

Episode: Linda Leedom

Release Date: June 22, 2025
Host/Author: Oxygen

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Snapped: Women Who Murder, Oxygen delves deep into the tragic and unsettling case of Lula Young, a beloved community member from Horn Lake, Mississippi, whose life was cut short under suspicious circumstances. This detailed exploration uncovers the intricate web of friendship, betrayal, and calculated deceit that led to Lula's untimely death.

Background: Lula Young and Her Best Friend Linda Leatham

Lula Welch, born on October 15, 1947, was a cherished member of the Horn Lake community. After graduating high school, she married her childhood sweetheart, John Young, and together they settled in Horn Lake, Mississippi, raising a family of four. Lula's life took a tumultuous turn when her 15-year marriage ended in divorce, but her unwavering spirit and close friendship with Linda Leatham kept her grounded.

Notable Quote:

• "She lived every day like it was the last one she had," recalls Lula's son, highlighting her resilience and zest for life. [11:40]

The Friendship Turned Deadly

Linda Leatham moved next door to Lula in 1978, forming what appeared to be an unbreakable bond. Together, they navigated life's challenges, with Linda supporting Lula through financial hardships and her battle with cancer.

However, beneath the surface of their friendship lurked sinister intentions. In the late 1980s, as Lula fought breast cancer, Linda saw an opportunity for financial gain. Encouraged by Lula, who was battling her illness, Linda orchestrated an insurance fraud scheme that would eventually lead to tragedy.

Notable Quote:

• "Linda was somebody that mom confided in," shares Lula's son, emphasizing the trust that made Linda's betrayal all the more shocking. [08:27]

The Fatal Night: December 19, 1994

On the early morning of December 19, 1994, Horn Lake was shaken by a devastating house fire at Lula Young's residence on Northwood Cove. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly half an hour before rescuing Lula, who was found unconscious between her bed and the wall. Despite their efforts, Lula succumbed to smoke inhalation.

Key Findings from the Investigation:

• A propane bottle was discovered inside Lula's home, suspiciously placed near the electric heater.
• The propane valve had been tampered with, indicating a deliberate act rather than an accidental fire.
• Lula had traces of sleeping pills in her system, raising questions about her state of mind during the fire.

Notable Quote:

• "It was extremely cold," notes a neighbor, symbolizing the chilling betrayal that awaited Lula. [42:07]

Unraveling the Mystery: The Investigation

Initial investigations pointed towards arson, given the unnatural placement of the propane tank and the electric heater. Lula's friends and family were devastated, struggling to comprehend how something so dreadful could befall her.

The breakthrough came when insurance agent Brenda Driver reported seeing someone resembling Lula at a Walmart just weeks after the fire. Upon contacting Lula, Brenda was misled by Linda Leatham, who impersonated Lula's sister and confirmed her death. This deception raised red flags about Linda's involvement.

Notable Quote:

• "Linda used the money to purchase numerous rental houses," reveals investigators, highlighting the extent of her fraudulent activities. [27:57]

Linda Leatham's Double Life

As investigators delved deeper, they uncovered that Linda had taken out substantial insurance policies on Lula, designating herself as the beneficiary. This revelation connected Linda directly to the motive behind Lula's murder.

Further complicating the case, Linda was found to have been involved in similar fraudulent activities elsewhere, suggesting a pattern of deceit and manipulation.

Notable Quote:

• "She was planning on killing somebody at six to begin with for money," asserts a neighbor, underscoring Linda's calculated nature. [42:45]

The Sting Operation and Confessions

After months of stalled progress, confidential informants Robbie and David Vincent provided crucial testimonies. Robbie revealed Linda's proposition to kill Lula as a "mercy killing," while David disclosed that another individual, Charles Wayne Dunn, had been coerced by Linda to set the fire deliberately.

Under surveillance and with evidence mounting, Dunn confessed to orchestrating the fire, solidifying the case against Linda. Despite multiple attempts, Linda never confessed to her role, maintaining her innocence until her arrest.

Notable Quote:

• "Linda is planning on killing somebody at six to begin with for money," emphasizes the premeditated nature of her crimes. [42:45]

Trial and Conviction

In August 1999, Linda Leatham stood trial for capital murder, conspiracy, forgery, arson, and fraud. The prosecution painted her as a manipulative and greedy individual who betrayed Lula's trust for financial gain. Key witness Charles Wayne Dunn testified against Linda, providing detailed accounts of her involvement.

Linda's demeanor during the trial was cold and unemotional, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew her. Ultimately, the jury found Linda guilty on all counts, and she was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Notable Quote:

• "Linda Litum was the greediest, selfish, cold-hearted person that I ever met," laments Lula's son, reflecting the community's sense of betrayal. [45:42]

Aftermath and Legacy

Linda's conviction brought a semblance of closure to Lula's family and the Horn Lake community. However, the scars of deceit and loss lingered, serving as a somber reminder of how trust can sometimes hide dark motives.

Charles Wayne Dunn, who played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth, was also prosecuted for his involvement, ensuring that justice was served comprehensively.

Notable Quote:

• "Money is so cold-hearted, it's just hard to fathom," remarks a firefighter investigator, encapsulating the emotional turmoil caused by Linda's actions. [45:53]

Conclusion

The Lula Young case stands as a poignant example of how close friendships can sometimes mask lethal intentions. Linda Leatham's calculated betrayal not only ended a life but also shattered the trust within a tight-knit community. Snapped: Women Who Murder masterfully unravels this complex narrative, offering listeners a thorough examination of the motives, investigations, and legal proceedings that culminated in justice for Lula Young.

Key Takeaways

• Betrayal in Friendship: The case underscores the potential dangers of misplaced trust and highlights how personal relationships can sometimes lead to tragic outcomes.

• Financial Motives: Financial gain, especially through fraudulent means, played a central role in Linda Leatham's actions, driving her to commit heinous crimes.

• Investigation Persistence: The relentless efforts of investigators, coupled with critical testimonies from informants, were instrumental in solving the case and securing a conviction.

• Community Impact: The murder left an indelible mark on Horn Lake, reminding us of the profound effects that deceit and betrayal can have on a community.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "Linda was somebody that mom confided in." — Lula's Son [08:27]
• "She lived every day like it was the last one she had." — Lula's Son [11:40]
• "Linda used the money to purchase numerous rental houses." — Investigator [27:57]
• "She was planning on killing somebody at six to begin with for money." — Neighbor [42:45]
• "Linda Litum was the greediest, selfish, cold-hearted person that I ever met." — Lula's Son [45:42]
• "Money is so cold-hearted, it's just hard to fathom." — Firefighter/Investigator [45:53]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the essential elements of the Snapped: Women Who Murder episode on Linda Leedom, providing listeners with a clear and detailed understanding of the case, its investigation, and its aftermath.