A Palm Beach County teacher is facing first-degree murder charges after allegedly shooting her 75-year-old father outside a home near Bak Middle School, an incident that prompted a school lockdown on Tuesday.
Leah V. Scott, 43, appeared before a judge on Wednesday in West Palm Beach. She is accused of killing her father, Leroy Scott, during a confrontation in the driveway of a residence where family members lived. The shooting led to a lockdown at Bak Middle School on Haden Avenue for several hours as a precaution.
Outside the courtroom, Scott’s attorney, Scott Skier, urged the public to withhold judgment. “We shouldn’t rely solely on the narrative, and as facts emerge, they could explain the circumstances,” he said. According to newly released court documents, Leroy Scott had been performing handyman work at the home when his daughter confronted him, told local ABC affiliate WPBF.
The affidavit states the two spoke briefly before Leroy began to walk away. Leah allegedly shot him from behind, striking him in the back. He fell to the ground and rolled onto his back. At that point, Leah is accused of firing a second shot before standing over him and firing two more rounds as he rolled onto his side.
Skier argued the incident was not premeditated. “Scott was not traveling in that area for the purpose of committing any sort of crime,” he said. He also noted that Leah Scott has no prior criminal record, adding, “The affidavit is so limited in its context. This is a father and a daughter. So, this is not isolated.
There’s a long, lengthy factual reality here that might assist in understanding exactly what happened yesterday morning.” He continued, “Ms. Scott has no prior criminal history at all. And that’s why I think that with time, when the facts emerge, an opportunity to review the discovery that would be able to give context to the report.”
Family members attended the court hearing but declined to comment, saying they were still processing the tragedy. The School District of Palm Beach County confirmed Wednesday that Leah Scott worked as an instructional staff member at John F. Kennedy Middle School.
In a message to families and staff, Principal Ricky Clark said she no longer has access to the school or its students. However, the district clarified that she has not yet been terminated from her position. Scott remains in custody as the investigation continues. She is due back in court as prosecutors prepare to move forward with the case.