Arizona – In a harrowing case out of Arizona, a 66-year-old man, identified as T. Sullivan, was sentenced to over 31 ½ years in prison for the brutal murder of his ex-roomate, identified as A. Leagans, who was 49 at the time of her death. Sullivan’s conviction includes second-degree murder and charges of concealing a body, concluding a distressing episode of violence and betrayal.
The investigation began when Leagans was reported missing by her family on October 27, 2020. Her disappearance followed shortly after moving from Illinois to Arizona, where she had hoped to start anew. The search ended grimly on November 17, when her dismembered remains were found near a river bottom. The horrifying condition of her remains was such that her sister described it in court as akin to how “a butcher cuts up a cow,” underscoring the brutality of the act. Sullivan, who had lived with Leagans after she moved to Arizona, quickly became the primary suspect in the case. The two had a contentious relationship, and Leagans had previously reported Sullivan for assault as he “tried to beat her up,” though no charges were filed at that time.
Police investigation revealed that Sullivan had been staying with an ex-girlfriend, where he reportedly exhibited violent behavior similar to what ultimately befell Leagans. This ex-girlfriend recounted to police a chilling statement Sullivan made, threatening to “bury me in the backyard like Leagans.” Sullivan was apprehended on November 25, 2020. During the interrogation, he confessed to the murder, detailing a confrontation at Leagans’ apartment that escalated fatally. According to Sullivan, he “snapped” during an argument where Leagans yelled at him, leading him to choke her to death. He initially buried her in the backyard but later exhumed and cut the body before dumping the remains across various locations in the area using a backhoe.
During his trial, Sullivan attempted to attribute his actions to a traumatic brain injury, pleading for leniency and expressing regret. However, Superior Court Judge J. Beresky firmly rebuked these claims, labeling Sullivan as a “danger to society” who treated Leagans “like trash.” The courtroom was fraught with emotion as Leagans’ family confronted the grim reality of her demise. The prosecution presented evidence of Sullivan’s premeditation and his attempts to cover up the crime, including his chilling use of an ax to cut Leagans’ body and his efforts to dispose of her remains.
Sullivan, who had a prior criminal history including probation for aggravated assault, faced damning testimony from multiple witnesses, including other victims who were prepared to travel from out of state to testify against him. This overwhelming evidence led to his conviction and the substantial prison sentence handed down, ensuring that he will likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.
The case has left the community and Leagans’ family grappling with the horrific nature of her murder. The prosecution and the court’s response underscore a commitment to justice for victims of violent crimes, particularly in cases involving domestic violence and manipulation. As Sullivan begins his sentence, the case serves as a somber reminder of the tragic outcomes that can arise from abusive relationships and the importance of addressing signs of violence before they escalate to irreversible consequences. The community and law enforcement hope this resolution provides some measure of peace to those affected by the loss of Leagans.
