“Facing a Monster”: 48 Hours Reports on Lori Leonard Homicide May 10 2025

This Saturday, May 10, 2025, 48 Hours airs a powerful episode titled “Facing a Monster,” reporting on a harrowing story of survival, violence, and justice. Correspondent Anne-Marie Green leads the investigation into the case of Shawn M. Doyle, a man whose violent past culminated in the murder of 33-year-old Lori A. Leonard and whose earlier attack on a teenage girl set the stage for his later crimes. The episode provides insight into the investigation, the efforts to bring Doyle to justice, and the courage of a survivor who faced her attacker in court.

The episode shines a light on how Doyle lured his victims, how law enforcement pieced together the clues that led to his arrest, and the ripple effect of trauma experienced by those who survived or loved the victims. Through interviews with Leonard’s family, police officials, and the teenage survivor, 48 Hours chronicles the path from Leonard’s disappearance to Doyle’s conviction.

The Disappearance of Lori Leonard

Lori A. Leonard was a 33-year-old single mother of two living in Chittenango, New York. In 2019, she met Shawn M. Doyle online and began a relationship that quickly escalated in seriousness. Doyle even assisted Leonard with moving to a new home, appearing supportive and reliable. On May 4, 2019, Leonard was last seen after dropping off her children at a relative’s home. She told family she was headed to pick up Yankees tickets in the Albany area but never arrived.

When Leonard failed to return or answer calls, her family grew alarmed. Her car was later found abandoned in the Syracuse area, deepening their concerns. For more than two months, family and police searched for answers while Leonard’s children waited for their mother’s return. The small community of Chittenango became united in worry and fear as days turned to weeks with no sign of Leonard.

In July 2019, a boater made a shocking discovery in the Champlain Canal near its junction with the Hudson River. Leonard’s body was found inside a metal toolbox, similar to those used in the back of pickup trucks. Despite being weighted with a sandbag, the toolbox had risen to the water’s surface, likely due to decomposition gases and the agitation of boat propellers in the busy waterway. Dental records confirmed Leonard’s identity, bringing heartbreak but closure to her family.

The Investigation and Arrest of Shawn Doyle

Law enforcement agencies from Chittenango, Hudson Falls, the Washington County Sheriff’s Department, New York State Police, and other jurisdictions worked together to solve Leonard’s murder. The investigation spanned over 750 interviews and more than 280 leads, stretching from New York City to the Canadian border. Police quickly identified Shawn Doyle as a person of interest due to his close relationship with Leonard and the suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance.

A critical breakthrough came when investigators found a key in Doyle’s vehicle. This key matched the lock on the toolbox containing Leonard’s body, providing a direct link between Doyle and the crime. Authorities arrested Doyle at his workplace at Ellsworth Ice Cream in Saratoga Springs. He was charged with second-degree murder and arraigned in Kingsbury Town Court.

Police revealed that Doyle had a criminal history, including convictions for drug-related offenses, unlawful imprisonment, and assault. Leonard’s family, who had harbored deep suspicions about Doyle, expressed both sorrow and relief at his arrest. Her brother, Jeffrey Leonard, described Doyle as “a piece of garbage” and lamented that if Doyle had been stopped earlier, Leonard might still be alive. Her mother and sister-in-law praised law enforcement for their persistence and dedication in solving the case.

A Survivor’s Courage: Facing Her Attacker in Court

Years before Leonard’s murder, Doyle had committed another violent crime: the brutal attack of a teenage girl who had once dated him. The survivor, whose identity is protected due to her age at the time of the assault, endured a vicious beating that nearly claimed her life. Despite the trauma, she later demonstrated extraordinary bravery by testifying against Doyle in court.

Her testimony became a key part of the prosecution’s case, not only highlighting Doyle’s violent tendencies but also establishing a pattern of escalating behavior. During the trial, she described Doyle’s manipulation, control, and eventual physical violence, providing the jury with insight into his predatory nature. Her willingness to confront Doyle in the courtroom symbolized her strength and helped secure his conviction.

The episode explores the emotional toll this confrontation took on the survivor, as well as her determination to stand up to the man who had tried to silence her. Her story serves as a reminder of the resilience of survivors and the importance of their voices in seeking justice.

The Trial and Its Outcome

Doyle’s trial brought together the collective efforts of law enforcement, forensic experts, and witnesses who had helped build the case. Prosecutors presented the key evidence found in Doyle’s possession, phone records showing continued contact with Leonard before her disappearance, and the testimony of the teenage survivor. The defense offered no significant rebuttal, and Doyle did not testify in his own defense.

The jury deliberated and found Doyle guilty of second-degree murder. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, ensuring that he would remain behind bars and unable to harm others. Leonard’s family expressed relief that justice had been served, though they acknowledged that no sentence could truly heal the loss of a beloved mother, daughter, and sister.

In the courtroom, Leonard’s relatives read victim impact statements, describing the pain of losing her and the void left in her children’s lives. They also honored her memory by sharing her love for family, her kindness, and her devotion to her sons.

A Community’s Resolve and a Legacy of Awareness

The murder of Lori Leonard left a lasting impact on the Chittenango community. Friends and neighbors organized vigils, benefit dinners, and memorial events to honor Leonard and support her children. A dinner fundraiser held in East Syracuse raised money to assist Leonard’s sons as they adjusted to life without their mother.

Leonard’s family continues to advocate for domestic violence awareness and better protections for women and children in abusive relationships. They hope that sharing Lori’s story will prevent future tragedies and encourage others to seek help before violence escalates. The 48 Hours episode “Facing a Monster” underscores these efforts, giving viewers a deeper understanding of the complexities of domestic violence and the importance of early intervention.

Through the lens of this heartbreaking case, the program offers a window into the perseverance of a family, the determination of law enforcement, and the courage of survivors who refuse to be defined by the violence they endured. “Facing a Monster” airs Saturday, May 10, 2025, at 10/9c on CBS.