Judy Church was aware that her long-time partner, Leroy Fowler, was involved with another woman, yet she remained hopeful that he would choose her eventually. Their relationship spanned a decade, starting when Leroy, following the end of his marriage, became a tenant in Church’s Salisbury, Massachusetts home. Church, a former educator, was the primary provider in the relationship and frequently showered Leroy with gifts, including a motorcycle.
Simultaneously, Leroy had an eight-year on-and-off relationship with Barbara Randall, whom he reconnected with on Facebook. Church disapproved of this relationship and even reached out to Barbara, expressing her discontent and labeling Leroy as self-centered and deceitful. On Leroy’s 55th birthday in November 2022, Church made a distress call to 911, reporting his sudden illness.
Upon medical intervention, it was discovered that Leroy had ingested antifreeze, resulting in severe organ failure. Suspicions arose, and Leroy’s family implicated Church in his ailment, citing his relationship with Barbara as a motive. Evidence, including an empty de-icer bottle with antifreeze residue and a tainted Powerade bottle, linked Church to the poisoning.
Further investigations revealed distressing footage of Leroy’s suffering, recorded callously by Church before seeking help. Additionally, a staged photo at the hospital and a voodoo doll with Barbara’s name on it added to the incriminating evidence against Church. The court found her guilty of premeditated first-degree murder and sentenced her to life imprisonment without parole.
Barbara expressed her sorrow over Leroy’s tragic fate, emphasizing that nobody should endure such suffering. Leroy’s family echoed the sentiments, stating that losing a loved one to violence inflicted by someone they trusted brings unparalleled anguish.
