Cherie Townsend’s shocking motive revealed in 2018 fatal stabbing of Susan Leeds at Rolling Hills Estates mall

The shocking motive behind the gruesome stabbing murder and robbery of a retired nurse at a SoCal mall parking lot was revealed in court.

Cherie Townsend was convicted last month of stabbing 66-year-old Susan Leeds to death. On Friday, she heard from the victim’s family on how the brutal murder has devastated them.

“My mother was kind and a selfless person. She would have given the shirt off her back to a stranger,” said Leeds’ son, Benjamin Leeds.

Susan Leeds was sitting in her Mercedes-Benz SUV in the parking structure of the Promenade of the Peninsula in Rolling Hills in May of 2018. Townsend walked up to her and stabbed her 17 times.

Investigators said the motive was robbery.

“She was brutally murdered in broad daylight, stabbed repeatedly while sitting in her car trying to defend her life. And for what? A cheer competition,” said Autumn Robinson, Leeds’ family member.

In court, the motive behind the robbery was revealed. Townsend wanted to send her daughter to a cheerleading camp and competition.

Townsend was arrested days after the murder. She was released after the district attorney said the case needed more investigating. Townsend then sued the county, but that suit was dismissed after her arrest in August 2023 for the murder of Susan Leeds.

“A conviction for first-degree murder can never bring back all that we have lost in the few minutes it took for Cherie Townsend to rob and stab Susie 17 times before leaving her to bleed out and die alone,” said Julie Leeds, Leeds’ stepdaughter.

Townsend looked forward as Susan Leeds’ family gave their victim impact statements.

Her oldest stepson Fred Leeds talked about how their father, who had cancer, lost the love of his life in such a violent manner.

“The last words my father said to me before he died was, ‘<y Susie didn’t deserve this.’ Shortly thereafter he passed away,” said Fred Leeds.

Victim impact statements were continued for a couple more weeks. Everyone is expected to return to court on Feb. 6. Following the last victim impact statement, Townsend will be sentenced. She faces a maximum of 26 years to life in prison.