Summary of "The Leighton Avenue Killings (9, 10, Jack, and Queen of Hearts, New York)"
Episode Release Date: June 11, 2025
Introduction to the Case
In this gripping episode of The Deck, hosted by Ashley Flowers, listeners are introduced to one of Rochester, New York's most harrowing unsolved cases: the quadruple homicide known as the Leighton Avenue Killings. The victims—Michael Adams, Lashelle Powell (affectionately known as Peanut), Michael Royal, and Jennifer Leisure—were found brutally murdered in their home during a fire on the night of January 10, 2016. Despite the passage of nearly a decade, the case remains unresolved, with law enforcement agencies hoping that the dissemination of this story will prompt new leads.
The Night of the Murders
Timestamp [00:04]
On a frigid winter night, Mary Royal returned home after visiting her daughter, only to find the front door of her family's home inexplicably open—a stark deviation from the usual security Michael Royal maintained.
Mary Royal:
"She'd always be like, did you lock the door, Mom? Did you lock the door? And so I knew something wasn't right." ([01:53])
As Mary entered, the absence of their usually protective dog, Jax, heightened her unease. Instead of the usual chaos of a busy household, the house was eerily silent and engulfed in smoke.
Discovery of the Crime Scene
Timestamp [02:01] - [05:31]
Mary attempted to wake her family members but received no responses. Realizing the severity of the situation, she called 911. Firefighters arrived to assess the scene, uncovering a devastating fire on the stairwell that had already consumed parts of the home. As the flames were brought under control, investigators discovered the lifeless bodies of the four victims in the attic's living room.
John Brennan, Lead Investigator:
"When I got the phone call and they told me to come in, it was four people. I go, what? Four people? Unheard of." ([05:11])
Each victim had been shot multiple times, and their throats had been slit. Additionally, all but Michael Royal had their ankles tied with duct tape, and most had their wrists bound and mouths taped shut, indicating a level of premeditation and overkill that baffled even seasoned officials.
Forensic Findings and Initial Theories
Timestamp [08:10] - [10:19]
Forensic teams faced immense challenges due to the extensive fire damage, which likely destroyed vital evidence. Notably, valuables were untouched, suggesting that theft was not the motive. The presence of drug paraphernalia hinted at possible connections to the victims' pasts.
Sergeant Gus Vanosa:
"You know, you want to hide a body, you want to hide evidence, you burn it. You know, I've had cases where they have burned the body because they had sex an hour before. So they intentionally burned the body." ([08:33])
The meticulous binding of the victims suggested either a single perpetrator with a twisted agenda or multiple individuals operating with a coordinated plan.
Victims' Backgrounds and Potential Motives
Timestamp [15:19] - [19:27]
Delving into the lives of the victims revealed complex backgrounds intertwined with minor criminal activities. Michael Royal and Jennifer Leisure had histories of drug use and minor offenses, while Michael Adams was described as a gentle man with a lengthy rap sheet primarily consisting of traffic violations. Lachelle Powell, known as Peanut, had a more tumultuous past, including probation for drug sales and recent violent assaults that hinted at deeper conflicts within the local criminal underbelly.
John Brennan:
"They were street level drug dealers. Okay? Which normally street level, dark dealers don't, you know, get this kind of stuff happening to them. There wasn't enough to make me think that Michael Royal stole the kilo and dope from somebody and they came in and slit his throat." ([17:30])
The theory emerged that Michael Royal and Peanut had likely made significant enemies within the drug trade, potentially escalating to a point where their lives were threatened by rivals seeking retribution or settling scores.
Investigative Challenges and Unresolved Leads
Timestamp [24:25] - [26:41]
Investigators employed a combination of traditional legwork and advanced technology, including cell tower data and geo-fencing, to narrow down the timeline of the murders. Despite extensive efforts, no direct witnesses or concrete evidence pointed to a specific suspect. The discovery of a fingerprint belonging to one of the victims suggested the possibility of an accomplice, complicating the investigation further.
John Brennan:
"Somebody easily could have been known to the victim and allowed in. Could have knocked on the door and somebody could have opened it and they pushed their way in." ([09:44])
The complexity of the bindings and the methodical nature of the murders led to speculation about whether the perpetrator acted alone or was part of a group.
Impact on the Community and Families
Timestamp [19:23] - [22:26]
The brutality of the killings left an indelible mark on the Rochester community. Candlelight vigils were held to honor the victims, underscoring the collective grief and the desperate need for closure among the families. Mary Royal and Jennifer's sister, Andy Walls, spoke poignantly about their ongoing struggles with loss and the unrelenting pursuit of justice.
Mary Royal:
"That's the only thing that got me through this, that's getting me through this. Because some people might think that, you know, once the people are caught, that it's over. It'll never be over for me. It'll always be there, but I just have to learn how to try to deal with it somehow." ([29:08])
Andy Walls:
"I have a child now, and the thought that my sister won't ever get to know them kills. It kills. I was so angry for such a long time. And now I just want to give my sister the memory and the honor she deserves and the justice she deserves." ([29:46])
Ongoing Efforts and Call for Information
Timestamp [30:17] - [32:24]
Despite the passage of years, the Rochester Police Department remains committed to solving the Leighton Avenue Killings. Investigators like John Brennan and Gus Vanosa continue to explore new leads and theories, emphasizing the need for anyone with information to come forward.
John Brennan:
"Somebody's gonna give you up. You talked, you told somebody. Somebody knows. You know, if I find out who you are, we're coming for you. We're coming for you." ([32:09])
Sergeant Gus Vanosa:
"We've reexamined all the evidence, and we are following up on potential leads. This is just a tough case. It really is. A lot of work went into this, and we're just hoping and praying that someday something breaks." ([30:29])
A reward of $15,000 has been offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrators. The investigation remains active, with law enforcement hopeful that renewed public attention may shed light on this tragic event.
Conclusion
The Leighton Avenue Killings stand as a tragic reminder of the complexities and dangers inherent in the criminal underworld. As The Deck continues to spotlight cold cases in hopes of fostering new breakthroughs, the story of Michael Adams, Lashelle Powell, Michael Royal, and Jennifer Leisure serves as a poignant call to action for listeners to aid in bringing justice to the victims and closure to their families.
For those with information related to this case, please contact Rochester Police Department's Major Crimes Unit at 585-428-7157, email majorcrimes@rochester.gov, or reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 585-423-9300.
The Deck is produced by audiochuck with theme music by Ryan Lewis. More information can be found at thedeckpodcast.com.