Dionne Leslie, a 17-year-old from Lake City, Florida, tragically lost his life on February 2, 2021. Dionne, affectionately known as "D3," was a student at Columbia High School and an active member of the Young Marines of Fort White, FL. He was deeply involved in his community and church, known for his kind heart and joyful spirit. On the night of his death, Dionne was shot and killed in a neighborhood in Lake City.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Southeast Lochlynn Terrace and Southeast Putnam Street. The Columbia County Sheriff's Office reported that another teen was also shot during the incident, highlighting the severity of the violence that night.
The investigation into Dionne's death was extensive and ongoing for several years. Community leaders and members expressed their grief and concern over the increasing violence in the area, emphasizing the need for community unity and action to address the underlying issues contributing to such tragedies. Former Lake City City Council member Glenel Bowden and Bishop Andrew Haynes of Abundant Love Christian Worship Center were among those who called for the community to come together to combat violence and provide positive opportunities for young people.
In April 2023, a significant development occurred in the case when the Columbia County Sheriff's Office arrested 18-year-old Brandon Hopkins in connection with Dionne Leslie's murder. Hopkins was already in custody at the Columbia County Detention Facility on unrelated charges when he was charged with homicide for Dionne's death. The arrest brought a sense of closure to Dionne's family, although the pain of their loss remained. Sheriff Mark Hunter expressed the bittersweet nature of the arrest, acknowledging that while it brought some justice, it could never bring back their loved one.
The case against Brandon Hopkins is ongoing, with the Columbia County Sheriff's Office continuing to work with the State Attorney's Office to ensure that Hopkins is held accountable for his actions. The community remains vigilant, hoping that Dionne's death will serve as a catalyst for positive change and a reduction in violence in Lake City.
