Leon DeVose III, arrested last week on carjacking and kidnapping charges, killed himself in the Essex County Jail on Friday, according to a story in today’s Star-Ledger.
DeVose, who was 21, lived in Montclair. His father, Leon DeVose II, is a realtor and ran unsuccessfully for Montclair Town Council last spring.
Two corrections officers assigned to watch DeVose, who was on suicide watch, have been suspended. His father is seeking further answers.
The carjacking took place in the early hours of Sunday, Sept. 9, and began in the Crescent parking lot in Montclair.
Carjacking Suspect Commits Suicide
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Very sad news that I’m sure is tearing Mr. DeVose and his family apart. With that said, I think it was in extremely poor judgement to post this item here. Had this been me, I know I’d not want it being bandied about on some forum. Having the story in the newspaper is one thing (and bad enough). But expanding it to local internet sites, chatrooms, forums etc. is, in my opinion, a lousy thing to have happen.
I just wanted to say that I appreciate Ronnie Bateman’s concern for my family and me. Often the press does just barge in on greiving families before the body is cold in such a situation. In this case I think Barista handled it very well.
A number of members of the Essex County community called visited, sent cards, food, attended the funeral, etc. I wish to thank all of you publicly here, and you can expect a more personal note of thanks in the near future as we gather ourselves for the task. I also thank the editors of Barista for the sensitive coverage.
There is a reason that I never left the Essex County community (although my town may).
Mr. De Vose,
I just wanted to thank you for posting this information on the internet. I wanted to let you know that I said a prayer for you and your family when I heard of such tragic news. Fortunately I’ve never had to deal with such loss, yet. I have, however seen my friends lose a friend of theirs b/c of such an act, in middle school. I know that such tragics can tear families and friends apart, but I also know that tragedies can bring families, and friends closer together. I pray that that is what has happened with you and yours. Im going to ask my family to say a prayer for your family tonight. May God Bless, Guide and Keep you! Sincerely, ~ Megan