Viktor Marie Vendler, 23, has been sentenced to life in prison for the murder of 74-year-old Leroy Johnston, whom Vendler lured into the woods and shot in the back of the head.
The crime, which took place in September 2023, has left the community shocked, and Vendler’s actions were described as heinous and cruel by the judge during sentencing.
The Crime
Vendler, who at the time identified as female but now identifies as male, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and gross abuse of a corpse in connection with Johnston’s death. As part of a plea deal, other charges including murder during kidnapping and tampering with evidence were dismissed.
On September 24, 2023, Vendler invited Johnston on what was supposed to be a hiking trip to the Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville, a suburb of Cleveland, for a “surprise.” However, it soon became clear that the “surprise” was a deadly trap.
Vendler later admitted to police that they had no intention of bringing a cellphone to avoid being tracked. According to prosecutors, Vendler and Johnston had previously been in a romantic relationship.
The two walked deep into the woods, where Vendler shot Johnston in the back of the head, ending his life in a cold, calculated attack.
Discovery of the Body and Arrest
Johnston’s body was discovered six days later, on September 30, 2023, by hikers whose dog led them off the trail and into the woods where Johnston’s body lay. Authorities launched an investigation, and Vendler was arrested approximately eight months later.
Motive and Judge’s Remarks
Although Vendler admitted to the crime, the motive remains unclear. Police have not released any further details on why Vendler decided to kill Johnston, though prosecutors did not mention any particular reason behind the murder.
Prior to sentencing, Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court Judge William F.B. Vodrey expressed his shock and disgust at the crime, describing it as particularly heinous.
“Especially under these circumstances is a particularly heinous and shocking crime,” Vodrey said. “I’m deeply disturbed what I’ve learned about this case and a life ended unnecessarily, cruelly.”
Sentence and Parole
Vendler was sentenced to life in prison, with the possibility of parole after 21 years. This sentence ensures that Vendler will remain incarcerated for at least two decades before being eligible for a parole hearing.
The victim’s family and the community are left to cope with the loss of Leroy Johnston, whose life was taken so unexpectedly and violently.
