SUMTER, SC – An 80-year-old man is facing murder charges after allegedly shooting and killing his wife and an 11-year-old girl during a violent intrusion at a neighbor’s home late Sunday evening, authorities said.

Reuben Arthur Leonard was charged with two counts of murder following the deadly incident in Sumter, a city roughly 45 miles east of Columbia. The local sheriff’s office reported receiving a distress call at around 10:32 p.m. on April 16, where witnesses identified Leonard as the gunman who entered a neighbor’s residence and opened fire.

Sheriff’s deputies said Leonard had harbored grievances against his neighbors for routinely practicing target shooting on their property. Despite his repeated complaints to law enforcement, no state or local laws were being violated, as confirmed by the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities revealed that Leonard, armed with an assault rifle and another weapon, invaded the neighbors’ home “with the apparent intent to kill everyone inside,” according to Chief Deputy Hampton Gardner. Tragically, 11-year-old Ashly McFarland was killed in the shooting, passing away immediately from her injuries.

According to an online fundraising campaign, Ashly’s father attempted to disarm Leonard and was injured in the process. Other individuals at the scene managed to subdue Leonard until police could intervene.

Inside the home, there were reportedly 10 or 11 occupants, and Gardner described the act as “unprovoked” and “senseless.” As investigators work to piece together more details, they remain shocked by the brazenness of the crime.

In a simultaneous investigation, officers uncovered that Leonard had also fatally shot his 76-year-old wife, Felicia Leonard, whose body was discovered in the couple’s garage. Leonard reportedly confessed to the officers during his arrest.

Police records depict a series of interactions between Leonard and law enforcement leading up to the attack. Just days before, on April 14, Leonard was cited for breach of peace after contacting authorities about his neighbors’ activities.

Despite thorough checks, investigators ruled out dementia or any other mental health conditions as a defense for Leonard’s actions. Leonard remains detained at the Sumter-Lee Regional Detention Center, where he is facing multiple charges, including two counts of murder and seven counts of attempted murder.

A judge ordered Leonard held without bail during his first court appearance earlier this week, given the gravity of the charges. A follow-up hearing is set for June 6.