Renter lures landlord to dinner with attack in mind: Authorities

A Florida man is accused of inviting his landlord over for dinner only to viciously attack her and drive his vehicle into their shared home.

Brian Thomas Leach, aged 69, faces charges of attempted murder, according to a statement from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office released on Thursday. Currently, he is detained at the Martin County Jail.

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Authorities responded on Tuesday evening to an address on the 1000 block of Northeast Ocean View Circle in Jensen Beach, approximately 100 miles north of Miami. Upon arrival, officers encountered a “violent and disturbing” scene inside the residence.

Deputies said they learned Leach, who rents the lower level of the house, had invited his landlord, who lives in the upper level, over for dinner.

The sheriff’s office detailed on social media that Leach allegedly invited the victim downstairs under the guise of having dinner only to brutally assault her. Following the attack, he reportedly drove his car into the house in a rage, noting that the impact resulted in “significant structural damage.”

The unnamed victim was left with “severe injuries.” Photos shared by the sheriff’s office showed a damaged Toyota RAV4 vehicle with blood on it, destruction to what appeared to be the side of the home, and drops of blood across the floor of a hallway inside.

Leach was arrested at the home, “though not before he slashed his own arms with a knife,” the sheriff’s office said. He was brought to a nearby hospital under law enforcement supervision.

Investigators believe Leach was angry because the landlord proposed eviction, according to local outlet WPTV.

Law enforcement provided video of his release from the hospital and transportation to the local jail. He was barefoot and limping while appearing dazed.