“Point Blank”: Dateline Reports on Todd Chance Homicide August 17 2024

On August 17, 2024, NBC’s “Dateline” will present the riveting episode titled “Point Blank,” airing at 9/8c. The episode, narrated by Keith Morrison, dives deep into the chilling murder of Todd Chance, a case that took years to unravel. At the center of this tragic tale is Todd’s wife, Leslie Jenea Chance, an elementary school principal who was ultimately convicted of planning and executing his murder. This episode promises to provide an in-depth examination of the events leading up to the crime, the investigation that followed, and the complex legal proceedings that ensued.

The Murder of Todd Chance: A Shocking Discovery

The story begins on August 25, 2013, when Todd Chance, a beloved father and husband, was found dead in an almond grove near Bakersfield, California. He had been shot multiple times, and his death initially appeared to be the result of a carjacking gone wrong. However, the discovery of his black Mustang, abandoned with the keys and his gun inside, quickly led investigators to suspect foul play. As the investigation progressed, it became clear that Todd’s death was not a random act of violence but a calculated murder.

Surveillance footage from various locations around Bakersfield became crucial in piecing together the events of that fateful day. This footage captured a woman, later identified as Leslie Jenea Chance, meticulously disposing of evidence and changing her appearance. The videos showed her visiting multiple locations, including a Starbucks, where she changed clothes, and a Walmart, where she disposed of further evidence. These actions, coupled with the absence of any significant signs of struggle at the crime scene, pointed to a premeditated act rather than a spontaneous crime.

Todd and Leslie Chance: A Marriage on the Brink

Todd Chance, a hardworking truck driver and cowboy at heart, was known for his love of fast cars and his devotion to his family. He met Leslie Jenea, a single mother, while they both worked at a local drugstore. Their relationship quickly blossomed, leading to marriage and the birth of two more daughters. Leslie, who pursued a teaching degree and eventually became the principal of Fairview Elementary School in Bakersfield, was well-respected in her community. However, behind the façade of a happy family, there were signs of trouble.

In the summer of 2013, the Chance family took a trip to Las Vegas, a vacation that included a visit to a CSI-themed crime exhibit. This seemingly innocent outing would later take on a dark significance as investigators discovered that Leslie had used the tips and information from the exhibit to plan her husband’s murder. Financial motives also came into play, as Leslie stood to gain from multiple life insurance policies and avoid potential alimony payments in the event of a divorce. The prosecution argued that these factors drove Leslie to meticulously plan and execute Todd’s murder.

The Investigation: Unraveling the Truth

As investigators delved deeper into the case, they uncovered a web of lies and deception. Leslie initially denied any involvement in Todd’s death, claiming that she had been home on the morning of the murder, working on her computer. However, her alibi quickly fell apart when no evidence of computer activity was found during the relevant time frame. Additionally, surveillance footage placed her at the scene of the crime and various other locations where she was seen disposing of evidence.

A particularly damning piece of evidence was the discovery of Leslie’s fingerprint on the outside of Todd’s Mustang, as well as her DNA on the steering wheel and gearshift—despite her claims that she never drove the car. Further investigation revealed that just weeks before the murder, Leslie had made a purchase at the same Walmart where she later disposed of evidence, suggesting a premeditated plan. The cumulative weight of this evidence led to Leslie’s arrest in 2016, three years after Todd’s death.

The Trial and Conviction of Leslie Chance

Leslie Chance’s trial began in 2019, and it quickly became a highly publicized event due to the shocking nature of the crime and the extensive evidence against her. The prosecution presented a compelling case, arguing that Leslie had meticulously planned Todd’s murder to gain financially and avoid the consequences of a divorce. They pointed to the surveillance footage, her suspicious behavior, and the forensic evidence that tied her to the crime.

The defense, on the other hand, attempted to cast doubt on the prosecution’s case, arguing that the surveillance footage was inconclusive and that the evidence was circumstantial. They also claimed that Leslie had no motive to kill Todd and that she had been a loving wife and mother. However, the jury was unconvinced by these arguments, and after eight days of deliberations, Leslie was found guilty of first-degree murder.

In January 2020, Leslie was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, with an additional 25 years added for a firearms enhancement. Despite her conviction, Leslie continued to maintain her innocence and filed an appeal, arguing that the verdict was based on circumstantial evidence and that law enforcement had failed to disclose key interviews during the investigation. However, in January 2023, the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld her conviction, solidifying her fate.

Conclusion: A Tragic End to a Once-Happy Family

The murder of Todd Chance and the subsequent conviction of his wife, Leslie, is a tragic story that highlights the devastating consequences of deception, financial greed, and betrayal. What began as a seemingly normal family vacation to Las Vegas ended in a meticulously planned murder that shocked the Bakersfield community and left Todd’s loved ones grappling with the loss. The “Point Blank” episode of “Dateline” offers a detailed examination of this complex case, providing viewers with a closer look at the investigation, the evidence, and the legal battles that ultimately led to justice for Todd Chance.