Gonzalez, Sr. requested the early release due to medical issues. The Department of Corrections reported that Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Sr has a life expectancy of one year or less. He is now in a wheelchair and needs assistance completing daily activities. The State Attorney’s Office has opposed this request.
Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Sr. was found guilty of Second Degree Murder of both Melanie and Byrd Billings in 2009. He was sentenced to 17.5 years in state prison.
In total, eight people were convicted for planning and participating in the crimes including Gonzalez, Sr.’s son Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Jr. An Escambia County Jury convicted Gonzalez, Jr. to two counts of First Degree Murder and one count of Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm. Gonzalez, Jr received two Death Penalties and a Life Sentence for the Home Invasion Robbery with a Firearm charge.
The commission vote means that Gonzalez Sr. will be required to serve the remainder of his sentence.