Judy Church was aware that her long-time partner, Leroy Fowler, was involved with another woman, but she remained hopeful that he would choose her eventually. The couple had been together for about a decade, meeting after Leroy’s divorce when he became a tenant in Church’s Salisbury, Massachusetts home. Church, a former teacher, was the primary provider in their relationship, often showering Leroy with gifts, including a motorcycle.
For eight years, Leroy also had a relationship with Barbara Randall, whom he reconnected with on Facebook. Church was not pleased with this situation and even reached out to Barbara to try to end the affair, expressing her frustration with Leroy’s behavior. On Leroy’s 55th birthday, Church called emergency services, reporting that he was seriously ill after possibly ingesting something harmful.
Upon arrival, paramedics found Leroy in a confused and painful state, revealing that he had taken Percocet the night before but not that day. He was hospitalized and placed on life support as his organs began to fail, with medical staff suspecting antifreeze poisoning due to his symptoms. Leroy’s family, suspecting foul play, implicated Church, citing his relationship with Barbara and Leroy’s previous suspicions of being poisoned by Church.
Subsequent investigations revealed antifreeze in Leroy’s system, leading to Church’s arrest for his murder. Evidence, including a tainted Powerade bottle with antifreeze and incriminating diary entries, pointed to Church’s guilt. Shockingly, video evidence captured Church callously recording Leroy’s suffering before seeking help, along with staged photos in the hospital. Church was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life without parole.
The court proceedings detailed Church’s disturbing behavior and motive, portraying a toxic love triangle that turned deadly. Leroy’s loved ones expressed their grief and disbelief at his tragic end, emphasizing the pain of losing someone to such a heinous act of betrayal. The case highlighted the devastating consequences of jealousy and resentment in relationships, culminating in a chilling and heart-wrenching outcome.
