Eric Leonard

Eric Leonard is an investigative reporter and joins NBC4 with more than 20 years of experience in the news business. Known for his work covering government corruption and high-profile crimes, Leonard brings his sharp analytical and steadfast fact-finding expertise to further expand NBC4’s award-winning I-Team.

Since 1996, Leonard served as a leading reporter at KFI AM 640. There, he provided spot news reports and live long-form coverage of major stories, including the Michael Jackson death trial, the Phil Spector and Robert Blake murder trials and the execution of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh. No stranger to television, Leonard also reported for the local Fox station in Los Angeles.

Leonard is a Los Angeles native and credits a summer high school course in Washington DC for spurring his curiosity in investigative reporting and uncovering the truth. He has been recognized by many organizations for his work, including the Radio and Television News Association and The Society of Professional Journalists with its Distinguished Journalist Award.

When not uncovering stories at NBC4, Leonard spends time with his wife and two children.

The Latest

Ventura County 22 mins ago

Educator accused of molesting multiple students arrested in Ventura County

Authorities announced the arrest of David Lane Braff Jr. on Friday, who is accused of molesting eight children at McKevett Elementary School in Santa Paula.

File photo of Menendez brothers, Erik and Lyle.

Menendez Brothers Nov 21

Menendez brothers to have a court hearing in Van Nuys on Monday. Here's what it means

The Menendez brothers’ request to challenge the validity of their murder convictions is expected to be heard at a Van Nuys courtroom Monday morning.

Erik Menendez (L) and his brother Lyle (R) listen during a pre-trial hearing, on December 29, 1992 in Los Angeles after the two pleaded innocent in the August 1989 shotgun deaths of their wealthy parents, Jose and Mary Louise Menendez of Beverly Hills, Calif. It took 40 months for the Superior Court arraignment after prosecutors and defense attorneys battled over the admissibility of taped confessions the brothers allegedly made to their psychotherapist. AFP PHOTO VINCE BUCCI (Photo by VINCE BUCCI / AFP) (Photo by VINCE BUCCI/AFP via Getty Images)

Menendez Brothers Nov 8

‘Good chance' next LA County DA will seek delay in Menendez brothers re-sentencing case, sources say

Los Angeles county’s next top prosecutor will likely seek a delay in the Menendez brothers’ re-sentencing case at a December hearing as he seeks to review facts and evidence in the decades-old case, multiple sources close to Los Angeles County District Attorney-elect Nathan Hochman told NBC News.

Menendez Brothers Oct 28

Menendez brothers case sent to Van Nuys courthouse for resentencing request

The request by Los Angeles County prosecutors to reduce the prison sentences for brothers Erik and Lyle Menendez, who are serving life-without-parole terms for murdering their parents with shotgun blasts in 1989 inside the family’s Beverly Hills home, will be heard at the Van Nuys Courthouse. The case was transferred to Van Nuys Friday by the presiding judge of the…

Crime and Courts Oct 25

Read the Menendez brothers resentencing memo filed by the LA County DA

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office filed its motion requesting resentencing of Erik and Lyle Menendez late Thursday, just after DA George Gascón announced he supported reducing their prison terms to allow for their release on parole. “Defendants have demonstrated they no longer present a public safety risk …such that their current sentence is no longer in furtherance...

Crime and Courts Oct 24

Menendez brothers: What's next?

After Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said he will recommend the resentencing of Lyle and Erik Menendez, what could happen to the brothers in the coming days?

Jax Markley, seen in family photos, died in 2022 from an accidental fentanyl overdose, and the investigation of the alleged drug supplier led to a rift with local prosecutors.

Crime and Courts Oct 11

Drugs, gangs, and guns. Why more local cases are being diverted for prosecution

Editor’s note: this article has been updated to reflect additional responses and information provided to NBC4 after publication by the LA County District Attorney’s Office A variety of local law enforcement officials say arrests and investigations traditionally prosecuted by the LA County District Attorney’s Office, including certain drug, gang, and gun cases, are being re-routed more frequently by police...