The sister of 29-year-old NBA star Kawhi Leonard has been charged with the murder and robbery of an 84-year-old woman at a Temecula, California, casino.
Kimesha Monae Williams, 35, sister of two-time MVP and NBA Defensive Player of the Year and forward for the Los Angeles Clippers was arrested on Sept. 3.
Reportedly, on Aug. 31, Williams and an accomplice, 39-year-old Candace Tai Townsel, followed an elderly woman to the Pechanga Resort Casino’s bathroom, broke her skull, and took her purse that contained some $800-$1200, the Press-Enterprise reported.
Just half an hour earlier, at around 7:30 a.m, the victim, 84-year-old Afaf Anis Assad, and her husband had been dropped off at the casino by her daughter and son-in-law, Wayne Brown.
“She didn’t even get a chance to play,” Brown said to CBS Local. “I mean she had some money in her wallet because she was ready to play that day, and I don’t know if they targeted her because she just walked through the door and they knew she had money in her wallet.”
On Aug. 31 at 8 a.m., deputies responded to Pechanga Resort Casino to a report of Asad having been found unconscious on the bathroom floor. Asad was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to her injuries on Sept. 4.
“We are absolutely saddened over this incident and are praying for the victim and her family,” the Pechanga casino said in a statement according to CBS. “The suspects were quickly identified through surveillance footage and the information was immediately provided to law enforcement.”
Shortly after the two were arrested. It turned out that Williams already held quite an impressive criminal record that featured charges with, petty theft, grand theft, misappropriating lost property, grand theft auto, and attempted robbery.
The two women are held at Indio Correction Facility; Townsel on a $1000.000 bail. Williams is held without bail, apparently because she is related to a well-to-do family who could easily cough up such an amount of money if needed.
“Williams has family that are well off and could post her bail of $1,000,000,” the Riverside County investigator wrote. “I am requesting NO BAIL to assure Williams’ appearance in court and to keep innocent victims safe,” the Enterprise reported.
Leonard, who has twice been chosen the Most Valuable Player of the NBA Finals and recently signed a $103 million contract with the Los Angeles Clippers, is not suspected to be involved in any way with the case.
Brown released the following statement according to CBS: “The family and I are aware of the connection. Obviously no one believes he was involved in any way in the incident. We’re aware that he has experienced similar tragedy in his past and we would hope that everyone is sensitive to this. I have only hope that he might keep my family in his prayers as we know he understands the pain we’re experiencing.”
The two suspects will be arraigned on Sept. 19. They may face the death penalty.
