Brett Pleasant receives life in prison in death of Jo Ann Leasure

Reporter: Sydney Persing Writer: Derrick Shaw
Published: Updated:
Brett Pleasant. Credit: Lee County Sheriff’s Office

Convicted killer Brett Pleasant has been sentenced to life in prison for his role in the death of 77-year-old Jo Ann Leasure.

Pleasant spoke during the sentencing hearing on Thursday and said he was innocent.

“I don’t know what happened your honor, but it’s not me. that’s all I have to say. Thank you,” Pleasant said.

Pleasant also claimed he was framed and pointed his finger at detectives and a prosecutor.

“He made claims about things that weren’t done in his case,” said Assistant State Attorney Sara Miller.

Pleasant already spent nearly half his life in prison for robbery.

That earned him a mandatory minimum life sentence for Leasure’s murder without parole.

“They’re trying to frame me, to put a case on me, to appease Mrs. Leasure’s friends which I understand, they want the person who did this,” Pleasant said. “They should be (brought) to justice. But I’m not the person.”

Scott Langston, Leasure’s friend, has followed the case from start to finish.

He didn’t get angry or emotional as Pleasant repeatedly denied his involvement.

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