Leigh Egan

Leigh Egan is a crime-fighting journalist and editor who specializes in breaking news and investigative true crime coverage. With more than a decade of experience under her belt, Leigh’s work can be found in a number of high-profile national publications. For Leigh, learning didn’t stop after college. She considers herself a lifelong learner who frequently takes media and journalism courses to keep abreast of the latest happenings and innovations in her field. Tips: legan@crimeonline.com

SEE IT: Bodycam captures kidnapping rescue after suspect forces screaming woman into van, beats her with tire iron [Police]

 SEE IT: Bodycam captures kidnapping rescue after suspect forces screaming woman into van, beats her with tire iron [Police]
Kidnapping

Brookside police released dramatic bodycam footage of the capture and arrest of a California man accused of abducting an Alabama woman. The Brookside Police Department reports that Sean E. Sanders has been officially charged with numerous felonies following his arrest on Sunday. His charges include: Kidnapping 1st degree Attempted murder of a police officer Attempted …

Where is Paighton Houston? $10K reward, vigil held for missing woman who texted she ‘felt in trouble’ after disappearing [UPDATE]
Missing
December 31, 2019

Where is Paighton Houston? $10K reward, vigil held for missing woman who texted she ‘felt in trouble’ after disappearing [UPDATE]

Family and friends of missing Alabama woman Paighton Houston gathered for a vigil this weekend and prayed for her safe return. As CrimeOnline previously reported, Houston, 29, left the Tin Roof bar on 7th Avenue South in Birmingham at around 10:45 p.m on December 20. According to Sgt. Johnny Williams with the Birmingham Police Department, …

Screaming, bloodied woman rescued from van with cage & chains after kidnapping suspect beats her with tire iron
Kidnapping
December 30, 2019

Screaming, bloodied woman rescued from van with cage & chains after kidnapping suspect beats her with tire iron

UPDATE: Bodycam captures kidnapping rescue after suspect forces screaming woman into van, beats her with tire iron [Police] A kidnap victim was rescued in Alabama on Sunday, thanks to the heroic efforts of law enforcement and a witness who saw the woman shrieking for help. According to the Brookside Police Department, authorities arrested Sean E. Sanders …

MISSING: Teen girl vanishes over the weekend while walking toward school
Missing
December 30, 2019

MISSING: Teen girl vanishes over the weekend while walking toward school

North Carolina authorities are searching for a teen girl who vanished while walking in Currituck County on Saturday. According to the Currituck County Sheriff’s Office, 13-year-old Faith Pellini disappeared between 5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Saturday while walking toward Moyock Elementary School in Moyock. She was last seen walking down Tulls Creek Road, carrying a …

Heidi Broussard
Violent Crime
December 29, 2019

Heidi Broussard: Baby Margo, abducted by mom’s ‘close friend,’ cries throughout funeral as her mother is laid to rest

Slain Texas mom Heidi Broussard was laid to rest in Lousiana this weekend, surrounded by family and friends. Mourners gathered at the Johnson Funeral Home in Lake Charles, Lousiana, on Saturday to say their final goodbyes to 33-year-old Heidi, who lost her life earlier month. According to officials, police found Heidi strangled to death on …

Jennifer Dulos
Court
December 27, 2019

Jennifer Dulos: Estranged husband of missing mom of five wants pending divorce dismissed

The estranged husband of missing Connecticut mother Jennifer Dulos is apparently trying to dismiss divorce proceedings filed prior to her disappearance. NBC New York reports that Fotis’ legal team hopes to help get his five children back by dismissing the divorce his wife Jennifer filed against him prior to her to May 24 disappearance. Earlier …

Elementary school principal & therapy dog found shot to death inside home
Murder
December 27, 2019

Elementary school principal & therapy dog found shot to death inside home

Washington authorities say they found an elementary school principal, her therapy dog, and a cat shot dead inside a Bellingham home. The Bellingham Herald reports that police found the body of 58-year-old Lynn Heimsoth on Thursday, inside a Chartwell Estates condominium she shared with her husband and several pets. Heimsoth was the principal at Sunnyland …

BREAKING: Little boy found dead after vanishing from front yard on Christmas Day
Juveniles
December 26, 2019

BREAKING: Little boy found dead after vanishing from front yard on Christmas Day

UPDATE A 5-year-old Michigan boy has been found deceased after he vanished from the front yard of a home in Six Lakes on Christmas Day. Searchers found the body of Beau Belson in a pond, according to a Thursday afternoon press release. Authorities said Belson may have possibly wandered away from the yard, ABC reports. …

Surgeon faces attempted murder charges after she knocks out court-ordered chaperone, tries to abduct 12-year-old: Police
December 26, 2019

Surgeon faces attempted murder charges after she knocks out court-ordered chaperone, tries to abduct 12-year-old: Police

California authorities extradited a surgeon back to the state after she reportedly fled to Montana in a private jet following an alleged attack on a court-appointed supervisor. Santa Maria Times reports that authorities Dr. Theresa Colosi was captured in Montana following an incident at Zodo’s Bowling and Beyond in Goleta. According to police, Colosi’s 12-year-old …