Man Gets 50 Years in Prison for Murdering Wife

A Hempstead man was sentenced Wednesday to a total of 50 years in prison for the murder of his wife and the attempted murder of two police officers, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.

Leonard Reed, 47, was sentenced to two consecutive sentences of 25 years to life in prison by Acting Supreme Court Justice Alan Honorof, the DA said.

Reed was found guilty by a jury in February of second-degree murder, first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, aggravated criminal contempt, first-degree criminal contempt, and three counts of second-degree criminal contempt, officials said.

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“This was not a crime of passion. Mr. Reed repeatedly lashed out against his wife, pistol-whipped her, and drove her to seek a safe house to escape his murderous rage,” Acting DA Madeline Singas said in a statement Wednesday. “This defendant was determined to take not only the life of his wife, but anyone – including police officers – who got in his way. I am grateful that this sentence assures that this defendant will spend the rest of his life behind bars.”

Reed’s wife, Diane, 42, was hiding from her husband in a home on Roosevelt Street, just south of the Garden City border, when he appeared on the doorstep on Feb. 7, 2013, officials said. An argument ensued before Reed shot his wife several times with a semi-automatic firearm, the DA said.

When Hempstead Police responded to the home, Reed fired at least two shots at officers, who retreated, officials said. Additional officers responded and a shootout ensued, officials said.

Reed shot his wife again several times and stabbed her with a knife before he surrendered, authorities said.

Reed was arrested 10 minutes after he arrived at the home, officials said.

Also inside the residence was a 26-year-old female victim suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest, detectives said after the incident. She was taken to a local hospital and also admitted for treatment of a non-life threatening gunshot injury.