Skip to content 
The Victim- Leonard J Williams
Leonard Williams, the victim in this tragic case, was a man known for his gentle and kind nature despite facing significant challenges in his life. For much of his early years, Williams experienced homelessness, a hardship that shaped his perspective and interactions with the world around him. Despite his struggles, those who knew him described him as a quiet and compassionate individual who had a deep appreciation for the simple joys of life.
He Was A Current Resident At The Apartment
Williams lived in an apartment managed by the Metropolitan Development Council, which provides housing for homeless and low-income individuals. His case manager and close friend, Laura Clemons, played a pivotal role in his life, helping him transition into stable housing and building a trusting relationship over time. Clemons spoke fondly of their weekly coffee meetings, where they shared conversations about plants and the weather—topics that reflected his peaceful and thoughtful demeanor. Williams was not someone prone to confrontation or conflict; he preferred to stay away from trouble and focused on his own path to stability.
A Plant Collector At Heart
One of Williams’ most beloved hobbies was caring for his collection of plants. His favorites were the Tradescantia Zebrina, also known as the inch plant, and spider plants. He found profound meaning in nurturing them, seeing each new bud as a symbol of life and renewal. This connection to his plants revealed his outlook on life—a sense of hope and reverence for growth, despite his hardships.
Clemons’ recollection of Williams paints a vivid picture of a man who sought and valued peace. Even in his interactions with others, Williams demonstrated kindness and a willingness to focus on their well-being. Clemons shared that he often told her not to worry about him and instead encouraged her to take care of herself.
Attack In The Early Morning
The timeline of Leonard Williams’ murder, carried out by 17-year-old Brodey Drew Brownell, is a chilling sequence of events that began on the night of July 31, 2023, and unfolded in the early hours of the following morning at a Lakewood apartment complex. It paints a harrowing picture of violence and senseless aggression.
A Teen Looking For A Fight
The events began during a party at the apartment complex where Brownell, along with others, was drinking and using drugs. Witnesses noted that Brownell was attempting to pick fights throughout the evening. Around this time, Williams, a 64-year-old resident of the complex, was walking through the parking lot. The two crossed paths, and while it appeared Williams tried to avoid a confrontation, Brownell initiated violence. Prosecutors later revealed in court that Brownell made a remark to Williams, who turned and walked away. Unprovoked, Brownell rushed up to him, delivering a punch that knocked Williams to the ground.
Brownell Continues To Beat On Williams
The attack escalated rapidly. As Williams lay defenseless, Brownell repeatedly stomped on and punched his head and face. During the beating, he recorded the assault on Snapchat, shouting taunts, including, “You messed with the wrong person.” This brutal assault alone could have been fatal, but the violence did not stop there.
Brownell Returns To Finish Williams Off
After the initial attack, Brownell returned to the party, where he retrieved a kitchen knife. He then returned to Williams, who was still alive, and stabbed him six to seven times in the neck and head. After ensuring Williams’ death, Brownell dragged his body to a dumpster enclosure in an attempt to hide the evidence of his crime.
Police Are Notified Of A Body
The next morning, at approximately 7 a.m., police responded to a report of a body found near the dumpsters. Officers discovered Williams’ body and immediately launched an investigation. Surveillance footage, witness testimonies, and evidence from the party linked Brownell to the crime.
Police Discovered Brownell Boasts To his Friends
Brodey Drew Brownell’s actions following the murder of Leonard Williams revealed a chilling level of brazenness and detachment from the severity of his crime. After violently attacking and killing the 64-year-old, Brownell returned to the party where the events leading to the murder had begun. Instead of showing remorse or attempting to distance himself from the horrifying incident, he chose to boast about his actions to his peers. His behavior during this time underscores the disturbing mindset that characterized the crime.
Witnesses Recount The Lack Of Empathy
According to prosecutors, Brownell was recorded on surveillance video as he ran back to the apartment complex party after committing the murder. He reportedly told others about what he had done, displaying a chilling lack of empathy. Witness accounts state that he declared, “I ain’t playing, bro. I really stabbed the [expletive] out of that [expletive], bro,” further illustrating his aggressive and remorseless attitude. This statement not only exemplified his pride in the act but also conveyed a sense of validation, as though he sought to affirm his dominance or fearlessness to others present at the party.
He Shared His Snapchat Video With Friends
Moreover, Brownell’s decision to record parts of the attack on Snapchat and share them with others at the gathering further compounded the horror of his actions. Prosecutors revealed that the video showed him stomping on Williams’ head while taunting him. Sharing such graphic and incriminating content displayed a shocking disregard for the victim’s humanity and a disturbing focus on self-aggrandizement. The video and his comments served to glorify his violent behavior in the eyes of his peers, demonstrating his lack of comprehension—or concern—about the consequences of his actions.
The Court Set His Bail
Following the discovery of Williams’ body on the morning of July 31, 2023, near the dumpsters of the Morning Tree Apartment complex in Lakewood, Washington, investigators moved quickly to identify Brownell as the primary suspect. His arrest on August 3, 2023, was preceded by critical evidence that left little doubt about his involvement.
He Pleaded Not Guilty
Given the overwhelming evidence and the severity of the crime, prosecutors charged Brownell with first-degree murder and first-degree assault. As he was 17 at the time of the crime, these charges were automatically moved to adult court. During his arraignment on August 4, 2023, Brownell pleaded not guilty, and the judge set his bail at $1.5 million, citing the gravity of the charges and the risk he posed to the community.
What He Was Officially Charged With
Initially, Brownell was charged with first-degree murder and first-degree assault, offenses that underscore the severity and premeditation involved in his actions. Each charge carried significant implications, addressing both the immediate violence and the deliberate intent that characterized the attack.
First Degree Murder
The first-degree murder charge stemmed from the fatal stabbing of Williams after an extended and violent assault. Under Washington state law, first-degree murder applies when a killing is premeditated or occurs during the commission of certain felonies. Prosecutors argued that Brownell’s actions were deliberate, pointing to his return to the crime scene with a kitchen knife after already incapacitating Williams. The multiple stab wounds inflicted on Williams’ neck and head demonstrated intent to kill rather than a spur-of-the-moment or accidental act. This charge carried a potential life sentence, reflecting the gravity of the offense.
First Degree Assault
The first-degree assault charge addressed the severe beating Williams endured prior to his death. Brownell’s initial attack involved punching and stomping on Williams’ head and face repeatedly, causing grievous injuries. The fact that Brownell recorded parts of the assault on Snapchat and later boasted about his actions added to the egregiousness of the crime, emphasizing the calculated and remorseless nature of the violence.
Negotiated A Plea Deal
In plea negotiations, prosecutors dropped the first-degree assault charge in exchange for Brownell’s guilty plea to first-degree murder. This decision allowed for a streamlined legal process and avoided the uncertainties of a trial. The agreement also incorporated a 24-month deadly weapon sentencing enhancement, recognizing the role of the knife in the fatal attack.
He Was Finally Sentenced
Ultimately, Brownell was sentenced to 25 years in prison, a term near the middle of the standard sentencing range for his crimes. The sentence reflected the judge’s consideration of his youth and mitigating circumstances, such as his troubled upbringing, while still holding him accountable for a crime deemed deliberate and devastating. The charges and subsequent conviction underscored society’s condemnation of such premeditated violence and served as a reminder of the judicial system’s role in addressing acts of brutality.
Need Help? Call Us Now!
Do not forget that when you or anyone you know is facing a criminal charge, you have us, the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, by your side to help you build the best defense case for you. We will work and be in your best interest for you and we will obtain the best possible outcome that can benefit you.
Our team is here to explain your trial, guiding you through the criminal justice process with clarity and support every step of the way. If you’re navigating the complexities of criminal charges and the court system seems daunting, reach out.
Therefore, do not hesitate to call us if you find yourself or someone you know that is facing criminal charges unsure about the court system. We will work with you to give you the best type of defense that can help you solve your case. It is vital to have someone explain the result of the charge to you and guide you in the best possible way.
Here at the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, our professional and knowledgeable criminal law attorneys build a defense case that suits your needs, aiming for the best possible outcome to benefit you.
At the Law Office of Bryan Fagan, we offer a free consultation at your convenience. You can schedule your appointment via Zoom, Google Meet, email, or in person. We provide comprehensive advice and information to help you achieve the best possible result in your case.
Call us now at (281) 810-9760.
Other Related Articles
Your rights as a renter: What to know about breaking lease terms in Texas
Modern Love: The Joys and Challenges of Online Dating
Fireside Chats Live Webinar- Special Needs Trust
A Daring Fraud Attempt During The Pandemic
How to proceed when a family member dies without a will
FAQs: Jaime Tran Case
Jaime Tran is a former California resident who committed hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals in February 2023, resulting in two shootings.
Tran faced charges for two counts of hate crimes with intent to kill and two counts of using, carrying, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime.
Tran illegally obtained firearms through a straw purchase, paying a third party to acquire the weapons on his behalf despite being prohibited from purchasing them.
Tran was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for his crimes, including the attempted murders of two Jewish men.
The case highlighted the dangers of hate-fueled violence and the importance of addressing antisemitism while reinforcing justice and public safety efforts.
