CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA – A local resident, Jonathan Lepperd, has admitted guilt to a multitude of grave charges. Some of the charges include attempted first-degree murder, revenge against a victim, eluding police, and soliciting first-degree murder. Law enforcement officials reported that he had stabbed his ex-girlfriend, led authorities on a high-speed pursuit, and planned for the murder of the victim and witnesses from within Cumberland County Prison.
Cumberland County District Attorney’s Office verified that Lepperd pleaded guilty to the concerning charges on Wednesday. The sentencing is due on May 28, with an agreed verdict that will likely confine Lepperd to a state correctional facility for two to four decades.
As the District Attorney’s office explains, the chain of events leading to these charges commenced in March of last year. The female victim, reportedly assaulted by Lepperd, approached the Pennsylvania State Police on March 28 and subsequently obtained a Protection from Abuse Order (PFA).
Merely three days post the initial assault, Lepperd reportedly assaulted the victim again outside her residence, this time inflicting multiple stab wounds. The DA’s office states that the gruesome assault was interrupted by a witness, after which the victim was urgently evacuated to Hershey Medical Center for immediate care.
Post the attack, the office confirms, Lepperd fled in his vehicle, instigating a high-speed chase by State Troopers. He allegedly taunted the officers during the pursuit, questioning the ability of the PFA to restrain him.
While awaiting trial within Cumberland County Prison post-arrest, it became known that Lepperd made attempts to solicit several inmates for the purpose of arranging the murder of his ex-girlfriend and potential witnesses to the crime.