By Kaitlyn Campbell
A Harrison man was sentenced on Nov. 21 in connection to the murder of Brian Leszcz.
On Oct. 4, Kenneth Joseph Young plead no contest to Assault with Intent to Murder, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Felon in Possession of Ammunition, and guilty to habitual 4th offender. Each of these offenses are felonies punishable by up to life in prison, and the convictions were the result of Young’s participation with Ronald McClure in the murder of Leszcz.
On July 20, 2021, Young and McClure traveled to Winding Wood Road when Leszcz was living in a tent. They went there to confront Leszcz because they believed that he had harmed his girlfriend, even though she told them that he had not caused her any harm. While they were there, both Young and McClure fired weapons at Leszcz. Leszcz had four gunshot wounds caused by 9 mm rounds and all of the wounds showed a trajectory from back to front—he was shot in the back as he ran away. McClure admitted to firing the 9mm and stated that it was the only firearm he had during the confrontation. Two other firearms, a Tippman and a .45, were tied to the scene. Young was in possession of the .45 when he was arrested. None of the bullets fired from those two weapons hit Leszcz.
In October 2022, McClure was sentenced on convictions for Homicide in the 2nd Degree, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and felony firearm as a habitual 4th offender. He was sentenced to serve 40-60 years in prison for the homicide.
Young has been sentenced for his part in the crime by Judge Mienk. Pursuant to a sentence agreement with the court, he was sentenced to serve 11 years to 60 years on each conviction with credit for 853 days already served. The three sentences will run concurrently with one another. He was also ordered to pay a total of $1,434 in fines, costs and fees.