Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 05/06/05

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Donna Edwards — 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Larry Scoufos

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

JURY CONVICTS DEFENDANT OF FIRST DEGREE MURDER

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that a Sonoma County jury in the case of People v. Raymond Leonce returned a verdict of guilty of first degree murder in the death of Tawanna Martin-Bergen, a former girlfriend of the defendant. The jury also found to be true that Leonce personally and intentionally discharged a firearm which caused the death of the victim. The defendant will be sentenced by Superior Court Judge Lawrence G. Antolini on June 2, 2005. Leonce faces a sentence of 50 years-to-life in state prison.

The evidence presented to jurors disclosed that Leonce and his then current girlfriend went to Tawanna’s residence on March 25, 2004. Leonce’s girlfriend testified that he placed a handgun in his waistband prior to leaving his residence. They convinced Tawanna to enter the defendant’s vehicle so they could discuss their relationship. The three drove to a remote location off Lakeville Highway. Tawanna and the defendant exited the vehicle and shortly thereafter the girlfriend heard gunshots. When the defendant entered the vehicle he stated, "The dude dropped hard." After being contacted by Sonoma County Sheriff detectives, the defendant gave inconsistent statements as to his involvement.

Deputy District Attorney Bridget Hannigan was the assigned trial prosecutor. She was assisted by Sheriff Detective Dave Pedersen and District Attorney Investigator Tony Gillotte.