Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era

Shooting may be self-defense Police say it's likely Manor Township homicide was justified
BY JENNIFER TODD, and RYAN ROBINSON, Staff Writers

An altercation between half-brothers led to a fatal shooting Friday night in Manor Township, according to police.

Christopher Leonards, 27, of 215 Millersville Road, was shot in the chest by James Leonards, 22, officials said.

Police said they are investigating the possibility that the shooting was justified.

"It may have been self-defense, yes," Manor Township police Chief Todd Graeff said. "We're still working on that determination -- crossing our 'T's and dotting our 'I's."

He said no criminal charges are anticipated, "at this point."

The shooting happened just before midnight at a home in the 100 block of Oak Road, where James Leonards lives with his mother, Graeff said.

Graeff said Leonards' mother tried to separate the two when they began fighting.

Graeff declined to say who retrieved the gun during the fight or to whom it was registered.

Christopher Leonards died from a gunshot wound to the chest, according to Lancaster County Coroner Dr. Stephen Diamantoni.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by Deputy Coroner Robert Granzow.

Following an autopsy Monday, Diamantoni said the death had been ruled a homicide.

Graeff said police expect to make a final determination in the case within the next few days.

rrobinson@lnpnews.com

jtodd@lnpnews.com