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NBA Player Kawhi Leonard's Sister Is Accused Of Breaking Elderly Woman's Skull, Stealing Purse
According to authorities, Kimesha Monae Williams and Candace Tai Townsel followed an elderly woman into a casino bathroom, broke her skull, and stole her purse containing an estimated $800 to $1,200.
The sister of NBA star Kawhi Leonard has been accused of murdering an 84-year-old woman after striking her in the head in the bathroom of a casino and stealing the elderly woman’s purse.
According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Kimesha Monae Williams, 34, and Candance Tai Townsel, 39, are facing charges in the fatal attack of 84-year-old Afaf Anis Assad, who later died from her injuries at a local hospital, KTLA reports.
Williams’ aunt, Denise Woodward, confirmed Saturday to The Press-Enterprise that Williams is the sister of the Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard.
Authorities say Williams and Townsel followed Assad into the bathroom of the Pechanga Resort Casino on August 31, broke her skull, and stole her purse. She died Sept. 4 as a result of her injuries, authorities said.
“The suspects were quickly identified through surveillance footage and the information was immediately provided to local law enforcement,” Jared Munoa, president of the Pechanga Development Corporation told KTLA. “We pride ourselves on putting the safety of our guests and Team Members first and are fully cooperating with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
Authorities have said Assad’s purse contained an estimated $800 to $1,200 inside.
In a written request to the judge, a Riverside County sheriff’s investigator requested that Williams be denied bail due to her family’s financial resources. Although the request, obtained by the local paper, never formally mentioned her connection to Leonard it did state that her family was “well off” and “could post her bail of $1,000,000.”
“Williams has a violent history and targeted a feeble elderly female and robbed her,” the investigator wrote.
Leonard signed a $103 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers in July after helping to lead the Toronto Raptors to an NBA championship earlier this year. The 28-year-old was named the Finals MVP for his contributions during the championship.
He is not believed to have any connection to the charges facing his sister.
“He didn’t have anything to do with this,” his aunt told The Press-Enterprise.
Williams was arrested Sept. 3 and is currently being held at the Indio jail, according to jail records.
Her next scheduled court appearance is Sept. 19.
Townsel is also being held without bail as the investigation continues.
