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Murder of Danette Jean Elg

On July 16, 1984, 31-year-old Danette Jean Elg reported a prowling incident to Blackfoot police. A screen had been cut, indicating the person was trying to get inside.

Two days later, on July 18, the prowler, Richard Albert Leavitt, came back and this time got into Elg’s home while she was sleeping and launched a savage attack. He stabbed and slashed her 15 times with a knife, then he mutilated her body.

Ironically, Leavitt himself reported Elg missing to police, claiming he was concerned for her safety. Investigators believe he could not stand having his crime go undiscovered and craved the attention the attack would bring.

During the 2,000-hour investigation, police discovered crucial evidence linking Leavitt to the murder. Blood testing revealed that, alongside Elg’s type A blood, there was type O blood at the scene that matched Leavitt. Hospital records showed he had sought emergency treatment for a severe cut on his left index finger shortly after the murder. When questioned, Leavitt claimed he cut his finger on a fan, but investigators determined the fan could not have made that type of wound.

Police also discovered that someone had been calling them posing as “Mike Jenkins,” providing details about the crime that only the killer would know. This caller was identified as Leavitt, further establishing him as the perpetrator.

He was arrested on February 25, 1985, for first-degree murder.

Legal Proceedings

During his fall 1985 trial, the testimonies from his ex-wife and mistress proved his interest in sexual mutilation.

Leavitt maintained his innocence, but the evidence was overwhelming, and the jury convicted him of first-degree murder.

District Judge Reynold George sentenced Leavitt to death in 1985, citing the especially heinous nature of the murder.

Leavitt appealed, citing ineffective counsel. His appeal was successful, and he was granted a new sentencing hearing.

When he returned to court in 1989, he tried to say he was a changed man. He claimed to be bonding with his kids and other inmates, and taking up new hobbies, such as poetry writing. Still, he was once again sentenced to death.

Execution

On June 12, 2012, he was scheduled to die. He had a final meal of baked chicken, French fries, and milk.

Once inside the death chamber, the 53-year-old declined to make a final statement. He was injected with a lethal combination of drugs that put an end to his existence.