The Standard reported in September about a body being found in the water at the Tobaccoport Boat Ramp in Bumpus Mills. The Stewart County Sheriff’s Office had found a female floating in the water, Monday, August 18. Her vehicle was parked on the ramp. They turned it over to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI). We contacted the TBI and received an email August 27, stating, “We don’t have much to offer at this stage other than to confirm TBI agents continue to investigate the discovery of a body at the Tobaccoport Boat Ramp last week. The investigation remains active & ongoing.” We asked for an update Sept. 8. TBI emailed Sept. 9, stating, “The deceased has been identified as 51-year-old Crystal Leonard. The investigation remains active and ongoing at this time.” Regards, Josh DeVine.
Once again, we asked for an update from TBI before Thanksgiving. We received an email basically saying the same, November 26, stating, “I’m afraid we have nothing more to offer at this time other than to say the investigation remains active and ongoing.” The original report taken by SC Deputy Timothy Griffin, stated in part, “Once on the scene I spoke with the caller Patrick Leonard. Mr. Leonard stated that his ex wife Crystal Leonard had drowned. Mr. Leonard stated that he and Mrs. Crystal don’t usually get along and that she has been homeless for some time. Mr. Leonard stated that a few months ago he let Ms. Crystal stay with him so that she would have a place to stay.” The report stated Leonard said the last time he had spoken to her was between 10 and 11 pm the night before. He stated he woke up and noticed she was not at the residence or the next morning.
Griffin stated, “Leonard stated that he then began to try and contact her but was unsuccessful and when he went to locate her he noticed her vehicle parked half way down the boat ramp going towards the water. He stated that he went to check the vehicle to see if she had fallen asleep in the driver’s seat. Mr. Leonard stated that is when he noticed Ms. Crystal floating in the water. Mr. Leonard stated that he went into the water about chest deep to retrieve Ms. Crystal. Mr. Leonard stated that he escorted Ms. Crystal to the edge of the bank and noticed she was stiff. Mr. Leonard stated he seen a pool float that you use to lay on in the water as well and covered Crystal with it until we arrived.” The deputy also state, “Upon my arrival, I noticed there was no movement from Ms. Crystal. While listening to Mr. Leonard’s statements I did not notice Mr. Leonard being wet nor muddy from entering the water. I then held the scene securely until I was relieved by other units and TBI.”…