West Palm Beach, FL – A disturbing incident unfolded in West Palm Beach, Florida, as a local teacher allegedly shot and killed her own father in front of his home following a heated exchange. The shocking case has captured community attention due to the tragic nature and the proximity to a nearby middle school.
Confrontation Escalates into Deadly Shooting
On the morning of Tuesday, at approximately 8:22 a.m., Leah Verona Scott, 43, was driving through the neighborhood where her 75-year-old father, Leroy Scott, resided. According to the arrest affidavit reviewed by Law&Crime, Scott intended to visit her aunt and uncle, whose home is located only a few doors away from her father’s residence.
Upon spotting her father working in his driveway, Leah Scott stopped and exited her vehicle to confront him. An argument reportedly ensued, culminating in her father telling her to “Get out of my face.” After Leroy Scott walked away, Leah allegedly drew a handgun from her waistband and fatally shot him in the back. She proceeded to fire three additional shots after he fell to the ground before fleeing the scene in her vehicle.
- Leroy Scott was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving efforts.
- The shooting was captured by residential security cameras and a nearby camera from Bak Middle School, located just 50 feet away and in session at the time.
Rapid Police Response and Confession
Authorities quickly identified and apprehended Leah Scott following the incident. During questioning, she admitted to shooting her father, explaining that she had approached him to tell him to stop bothering her. When he told her to “Get out of my face” and walked away, she became upset and fired the shots.
“She intended to shoot herself after shooting her father but ultimately decided against it, saying it ‘was not right,'” according to the arrest affidavit.
Leah also confessed to disposing of the firearm involved in the shooting.
Impact on the School Community
Leah Scott was an active teacher at JFK Middle School at the time of the shooting. In response to the incident, the school released a statement confirming:
“Ms. Scott will no longer have access to our campus or have contact with students.”
Due to the proximity of the shooting near Bak Middle School, Scott faces additional charges related to exhibiting weapons on school property.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Statement
Leah Scott appeared in court on Wednesday, where a judge denied her bond. Her defense attorney, Scott Skier, advised caution before forming conclusions about the case, stating to WPBF:
“I don’t think that we should rush to rely solely on that narrative. I think that with time, facts will emerge that explain the circumstances and perhaps avail a defense to this.”
Scott is charged with first-degree murder and exhibiting weapons on school property. Her next court date is scheduled for September 25.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Incident occurred on Tuesday morning near Leroy Scott’s home in West Palm Beach.
- Victim: Leroy Scott, age 75; accused: Leah Verona Scott, age 43.
- The shooting was recorded by multiple cameras including one at Bak Middle School.
- Leah Scott was a teacher at JFK Middle School and has been barred from school premises.
- Charges include first-degree murder and displaying a weapon on school property.
- Leah Scott confessed to the shooting, citing emotional upset after her father told her to “Get out of my face.”
- Next court hearing scheduled for September 25, 2024.
For more details on this case, visit the original report by Law&Crime.
What Lies Ahead?
This heartbreaking incident underscores the complexities of familial conflict and the tragic consequences that can arise from escalating emotions. The upcoming court proceedings will shed more light on the circumstances that led to this deadly act, while the community continues to process the event closely tied to its local schools.