JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Authorities have charged 49-year-old Joseph Anderson with the murder of 58-year-old Alesa Leach, as announced by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on Monday.

On November 17, 2025, officers responded to a call at a residence on West 14th Street near Myrtle Avenue, where they discovered Leach deceased and covered in blood on a mattress. She succumbed to her injuries before any officers could arrive.

Detectives from the JSO Homicide Unit initiated an investigation, uncovering that Leach had a temporary protection order against Anderson. They found evidence indicating Anderson’s presence in the home at the time of Leach’s death.

A warrant for Anderson’s arrest was issued, citing his violation of the protection order. He was apprehended in Connecticut on December 5, 2025.

After his extradition back to Jacksonville, Anderson was placed in the Duval County jail, according to the sheriff’s office.

Detectives continued to build a case and on March 20, 2026, JSO received an arrest warrant for Anderson in connection to Leach’s murder and other charges. 

The warrant was served to Leach, who was already behind bars. 

Anderson’s bond is set $2,725,018 and his next court date is scheduled April 13.