Annette Harvey: Tennessee woman convicted of fatally stabbing friend who had temporary custody of her children
Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.
JOHNSON CITY, TENNESSEE: Annette Harvey, a woman from Tennessee, has been convicted of murdering a friend who had been entrusted with the care of her two children.
In Johnson City on Monday, a jury found Annette Harvey, 54, guilty of premeditated first-degree murder, especially aggravated burglary, and commission of a felony in the stabbing death of her friend.
The victim, Robin Leonard, was a 50-year-old psychology professor at East Tennessee State University, as per People.
Annette Harvey was delusional
Following five days of testimonies and evidence, the jury rendered the guilty verdict after just over three hours of deliberation, as per Johnson City Press.
Defense attorney Don Spurrell urged the jury to consider the case from Harvey's perspective during his closing argument on Monday.
He emphasized Harvey's delusions, wherein she believed her husband posed a threat to her life and the safety of her daughters.
Spurrell asserted that Harvey never intended to kill Leonard but instead wanted her to contact Rebecca Lewis, the caregiver for Harvey's children, to warn her of potential danger.
Spurrell highlighted Harvey's past behavior during moments of delusion, emphasizing her instinct to flee rather than engage in confrontation. "With Annette, it's all about escaping," he said.
Spurrell emphasized, "It's not about fighting, ladies and gentlemen. It's about escaping."
In the prosecution's closing statements, Assistant District Attorney General Dennis Brooks argued that Harvey indeed had the intent to kill Leonard.
Brooks pointed out a 12-minute interval between the time Harvey's car was observed on traffic camera footage heading toward Leonard's residence and the time it departed the area.
He contended that within this brief timeframe, there was insufficient opportunity for a conversation escalating into an altercation to occur.
Brooks also characterized Harvey as manipulative, presenting previously admitted text messages with a friend in which she disparaged Leonard.
Additionally, Brooks highlighted a voicemail discovered on Leonard's phone, sent by Harvey on the same day as the text messages, wherein she professed love for Leonard.
Harvey was convicted on two counts of first-degree murder, including premeditated murder and murder during the commission of a felony.
Harvey's sentencing hearing is scheduled for May.
How did Annette Harvey kill Robin Leonard?
According to police, Harvey arrived at Leonard's residence on January 18, 2021, armed with a knife, leading to a struggle during which she repeatedly stabbed Leonard.
After Harvey departed, Leonard contacted 911 and informed the dispatcher of the attack by Harvey, as recounted by the prosecutors to the jury.
Leonard was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital, where she succumbed to injuries 11 days later. Harvey fled the scene but was apprehended later that day.
