Background: News footage of Leah Verona Scott in court on Aug. 27 (WPBF). Inset: Leah Verona Scott (Palm Beach County Sheriff”s Office).
A Florida woman allegedly gunned down her own father in front of his home after he told his daughter to “Get out of my face.”
At 43 years old, Leah Verona Scott was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder after authorities in West Palm Beach traced her due to a suspected shooting. As detailed in an arrest affidavit examined by Law&Crime, Scott was driving in the vicinity where Leroy Scott, her 75-year-old father, resided, at approximately 8:22 a.m. She was on her way to visit relatives living just a few doors away from her father.
The affidavit mentions that Leah Scott noticed her father working outside his home and chose to stop her car to confront him. During their interaction, when he attempted to walk away, she allegedly drew a handgun from her waistband and shot him from behind.
After Leroy Scott collapsed, the affidavit claims that his daughter shot him three more times before getting back into her Saturn Vue and leaving the location.
Leroy Scott succumbed to his injuries on site despite life-saving efforts, according to authorities. The entire episode was recorded on nearby residential surveillance equipment as well as a camera from Bak Middle School, situated about 50 feet away and active during the incident.
Police were quick to identify and capture Leah Scott, bringing her in for questioning. She reportedly admitted to shooting her father, explaining that she approached him to request he “stop bothering her.” His reply was allegedly “Get out of my face,” which incited her anger.
The affidavit notes that Leah Scott considered turning the gun on herself after allegedly shooting her father but ultimately decided not to, expressing to law enforcement that it “was not right.” She informed the police that she had disposed of the firearm.
Leah Scott had been employed as a teacher at JFK Middle School at the time of the alleged shooting. Local Fox affiliate WFLX obtained a statement from the school stating, “Ms. Scott will no longer have access to our campus or have contact with students.”
In a court appearance on Wednesday, Leah Scott was denied bond by a judge. Her defense attorney, Scott Skier, told local ABC affiliate WPBF, “I don’t think that we should rush to rely solely on that narrative. I think that with time, facts will emerge that explain the circumstances and perhaps avail a defense to this.”
Leah Scott was charged with first-degree murder and exhibiting weapons on school property, which is a result of the shooting being so close to Bak Middle School. Her next court date is scheduled for Sept. 25.
