Woman sentenced to 26 years to life for fatal Rolling Hills Estates mall stabbing

Cherie Townsend convicted of killing retired nurse Susan Leeds in 2018 parking structure attack

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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A 47-year-old woman was sentenced to 26 years to life in prison for fatally stabbing a retired nurse in the parking structure of a Rolling Hills Estates mall during an apparent robbery attempt in 2018. Cherie Townsend was convicted by a jury in November and December 2023 after being arrested again in 2023 when detectives uncovered more evidence against her.

Why it matters

The homicide was the first in Rolling Hills Estates in nine years, raising concerns about public safety in the affluent suburb. The case also highlighted issues around bail reform and the release of repeat offenders, as Townsend was initially arrested in 2018 but then released before being arrested again years later.

The details

Prosecutors said Townsend was struggling financially and desperate for money so she, her daughter and three of her daughter's friends could buy plane tickets to Florida. On the day of the murder, Townsend searched for the mall and an Equinox gym there, then waited in the parking structure for a vulnerable victim. She attacked 66-year-old Susan Leeds from behind as Leeds was returning to her SUV, stabbing her 17 times and slashing her throat. Townsend then fled the scene in her own car.

  • On May 3, 2018, Townsend searched online for the Promenade at the Peninsula mall and whether there was an Equinox gym there.
  • Around 9:30 a.m. on May 3, 2018, Townsend arrived at the mall's parking structure and stayed there for nearly three hours.
  • Just after 12:10 p.m. on May 3, 2018, Townsend attacked Leeds in the parking structure, stabbing her 17 times and slashing her throat.
  • Passersby first discovered Leeds just after 12:20 p.m. on May 3, 2018, and first responders arrived at 12:26 p.m.
  • Townsend was arrested two weeks after the murder in May 2018, but was released six days later.

The players

Cherie Townsend

A 47-year-old woman who was convicted of fatally stabbing retired nurse Susan Leeds in a Rolling Hills Estates mall parking structure in 2018.

Susan Leeds

A 66-year-old retired nurse who was killed by Townsend in the parking structure of the Promenade on the Peninsula mall in Rolling Hills Estates.

John J. Lonergan

The Torrance Superior Court judge who sentenced Townsend to 26 years to life in prison.

Jim McDonnell

The former Los Angeles County Sheriff who Townsend demanded publicly declare her innocence after her initial 2018 arrest.

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What they’re saying

“She comforted without judging, made others feel safe and seen and she loved baking cookies and finding new activities to do with her grandchildren.”

— Leeds' stepchildren (dailynews.com)

“Had Townsend asked Leeds for help, she would have provided and then some.”

— Leeds' stepchildren (dailynews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Cherie Townsend out on bail pending her appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges around bail reform and public safety, as well as the devastating impact of violent crime on close-knit communities like Rolling Hills Estates. It also underscores the importance of providing support and resources for those struggling financially to prevent such tragedies.