Leotis Lester, aged 50, tragically lost his life on August 5, 2016, in Lake Worth, Florida. The circumstances surrounding his death were deeply distressing for his family and friends. Lester, a father of four and a grandfather, was known for his work in construction and his dedication to his family. On the fateful day, he was shot and killed alongside 20-year-old Shania Copeland in an apartment community on Washington Avenue.
The incident was a result of a violent act driven by jealousy.
The investigation revealed that George McCray, a 67-year-old man from Boynton Beach, was responsible for the murders. McCray was in a relationship with Copeland and became envious of her connection with Lester. Despite the families of Lester and Copeland asserting that the two were merely friends, McCray's jealousy led to the fatal shootings. McCray was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, tampering with a witness, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. He later pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree murder and received a 30-year prison sentence for the murders, along with additional sentences for the other charges.
The deaths of Lester and Copeland were part of a larger pattern of violence in Palm Beach County, which saw 87 confirmed homicides in 2016. The loss of Lester was particularly devastating for his family, who had already endured the violent deaths of other family members in previous years. The community was left in shock and mourning, with calls for justice and pleas for anyone with information to come forward. The case highlighted the tragic consequences of jealousy and the pervasive issue of gun violence in the area.
