In a shocking case from Florida, a 69-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder after allegedly beating his landlord and crashing his car into their shared home. The motive behind the attack appears to be an eviction dispute, according to police.
What Happened in Jensen Beach?
On the night of June 25, 2025, deputies from the Martin County Sheriff’s Office responded to a violent scene at a home located on Northeast Ocean View Circle in Jensen Beach, about 100 miles north of Miami.
Police say that Brian Thomas Leach, the tenant living on the lower floor of the house, invited his landlord — who lived upstairs — to join him for dinner. But what seemed like a friendly dinner invitation quickly turned into a brutal attack.
The Attack and Car Crash
Authorities say Leach used dinner as a “pretense” to lure the woman downstairs. Once she was inside, he suddenly and violently assaulted her. After the beating, he got into his Toyota RAV4 and intentionally rammed it into the house in a fit of rage, causing serious damage to the structure.
Photos released by the sheriff’s office show major destruction to the house and the bloodied SUV. Blood stains were also seen inside the hallway of the home, making it clear just how violent the incident was.
Victim Seriously Injured
The landlord, whose name has not been made public, suffered “severe injuries” during the attack. She is currently recovering, but officials have not shared more details about her condition.
Leach himself suffered injuries after allegedly slashing his own arms with a knife before deputies arrested him at the scene. He was taken to a nearby hospital and later transferred to the Martin County Jail.
What Was the Motive?
Investigators believe that Leach may have been furious because the landlord was planning to evict him. The attack appears to have been triggered by this proposal, according to local news station WPTV.
In a video shared by law enforcement, Leach is seen limping and appearing dazed while being released from the hospital. He was barefoot and under police escort as he was transported to jail.
Legal Consequences
Leach has been charged with attempted murder — a very serious crime under Florida law. If convicted, he could spend the rest of his life in prison. It is not yet known when his court appearance is scheduled.
This disturbing case is a reminder of how quickly conflicts over property and eviction can turn violent. What started as a peaceful dinner turned into a nightmare, with one woman severely hurt and a man now facing life behind bars.
As the legal process moves forward, the hope is that justice will be served and the victim can recover in peace.
