Bradenton man convicted of attempted murder in 2023 robbery and shooting
A Bradenton man has been convicted of attempted murder tied to a shooting that occurred in October 2023, according to the State Attorney’s Office for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit.
Leonard Allen Lafleur Jr., 23, was convicted of attempted murder in the first degree with a firearm after an investigation conducted by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, the state attorney’s office said in a news release.
Lafleur’s trial was held at the Manatee County Judicial Center from May 11 to May 14, the release said.
On Oct. 14, 2023, Lafleur attempted a robbery, according to court records. The incident ended with Lafleur firing 15 rounds at the man he was trying to rob, shooting him 5 times in the arm and legs, state prosecutors said.
The injured man was treated at HCA Florida Blake Medical Center and survived. However, the state attorney’s office said he “continues to suffer with injuries more than two years later.”
Bradenton man convicted of attempted murder
Deputies interviewed two witnesses on the scene after the shooting, leading law enforcement to identify Lafleur as a suspect, according to court documents.
Deputies located Lafleur’s apartment in the 100 block of 60th Avenue East in Bradenton, about 800 feet away from the scene of the shooting, according to court documents.
Witnesses reported seeing Lafleur running in the direction of the apartment after the shooting, court documents said.
Under Florida law, Lafleur faces a maximum sentence of life in prison and a minimum sentence of 25 years.
Lafleur’s sentencing will be scheduled at a later date, according to the state attorney’s office.
“This case highlights the importance of community involvement and a willingness to provide information to law enforcement as a witness cooperated with law enforcement to identify the defendant and provide witness testimony,” said Assistant State Attorney Dickey Hough in the news release. “Without this witness involvement, the defendant may have never been identified and brought to justice.”
This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 12:11 PM.
