Friday, September 20, 2024

PONTIAC, Mich. - On Friday, September 20, 2024, Oakland County Prosecutor KAREN D. McDONALD charged Timothy Ernest Legard, a 50-year-old resident of Pontiac, with eleven felony charges. Charges include First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, three counts of First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, two counts of Assault with Intent to Commit Penetration, and two counts of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault).

The victims in this case are a husband, wife, and their daughter. The defendant is charged with stabbing and killing the husband, and sexually assaulting his wife and daughter. It is alleged that the defendant and the victims were neighbors on Ypsilanti Avenue in Pontiac. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, the defendant allegedly went to the victims’ home at approximately 6:00 am and met the male victim outside while his wife was helping their daughter get ready for school. A short time later, the defendant entered the home and assaulted them sexually. The two were able to escape to another neighbor’s home and called 911. Responding officers arrived and found the male victim deceased in the driveway with a stab wound to his chest. Deputies located the defendant walking nearby and he was taken into custody and is being held at the Oakland County Jail.

"This was an absolutely brutal and horrific attack on a family," stated Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald. "First-Degree Murder, First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct, and Kidnapping are life offenses, and they are the most serious charges my office brings. We will fight vigorously for justice for this family and to protect the community from those who perpetrate violence."

The defendant remains at the Oakland County Jail pending a weekend arraignment.

First-Degree Murder is a felony punishable by life without parole and requires DNA to be taken upon arrest. Kidnapping is a felony punishable by life imprisonment or any term of years and/or a fine up to $50,000 and requires DNA to be taken upon arrest. First-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is a felony punishable life imprisonment or a term of years with a mandatory minimum of 25 years, requires mandatory lifetime electronic monitoring and AIDS/STD testing. Second-Degree Criminal Sexual Conduct is a felony punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment and requires mandatory AIDS/STD testing and DNA to be taken upon arrest. Assault with Intent to Commit Penetration is a felony punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment and requires mandatory AIDS/STD testing and DNA to be taken upon arrest. Assault with a Dangerous Weapon (Felonious Assault) is a felony punishable by up to 4 years imprisonment and/or a fine up to $2,000.

Charges are accusations and individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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CONTACT: OCPOmedia@oakgov.com