According to a press release from the Grimes County District Attorney’s Office, “On Monday, September 9, 2024, Leon Burrell Jr., age 40, pled guilty to Murder.
On July 14, 2021, the Navasota Police Department received a report of a male with a gunshot wound at 520 Laredo Street. Law enforcement and emergency medical services responded to the scene and found Clifton Love, age 45, with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Chief Mike Mize, who was one of the first people on scene, was able to speak with the victim.
Clifton Love stated to Mize, “Junior shot me.” Love identified “Junior’ as Leon Burrell Jr. Love was flown by helicopter to the hospital but did not survive his injuries.
Investigators with the Navasota Police Department, along with DA Investigator Raul Gonzalez, investigated the death and determined Leon Burrell Jr. acted alone when the shooting occurred.
Police learned there had been a history of issues between Love and Burrell.
On Monday, September 9, 2024, Leon Burrell Jr. pled guilty to Murder in front of presiding Judge for the 12th District Court, Todd Blomerth. Burrell was sentenced to 35 years in prison in a plea agreement with the State.
Friends and family of Clifton Love were present in the courtroom to observe the sentencing.
Leon Burrell Jr. is in custody at the Grimes County Jail awaiting transfer to the Texas Department of Public Safety.
“There is no place for criminal gun violence in the Grimes County community. Leon Burrell’s actions resulted in the senseless loss of life of Clifton Love. Leon Burrell chose to accept responsibility for his crime, and we were able to reach a plea agreement to obtain justice for the victim’s family.” –District Attorney Andria Bender
Photo from Grimes County District Attorney Press Release