Beulah Murder Suspect Had Been Given A Civic Award

Florida Alabama Leonard Patrick Gonzalez Junior was honored for his work helping children.

by Steve Alexander

Published: Tue, July 14, 2009 - 9:01 pm CST

So who is Leonard Patrick Gonzalez, Junior?
He's labeled by authorities as the instigator of the crime.
On Gonzalez's arrest report, his last current business was listed as Project FIGHT BACK.
A description of Project FIGHT BACK on My Space said it provides free abduction awareness kidnap prevention workshops for children.
It was only a month ago that the Pensacola Seville Sertoma Club presented Gonzalez and his wife with the "Service to Mankind" award for their dedication to Project FIGHT BACK.
Sertoma Member Gwinn Corley said he heard about Gonzalez's arrest from a reporter.
Corley said, "I was flabbergasted. I could not believe what she was telling me."
He described Gonzalez as personable.
Corley said, "His wife was with him. They were very attached to each other. They talked about the kids, and their own kids. They've got six of their own."
In fact, Corley said Gonzalez' wife attended his Sertoma meeting and made a speech this past Thursday, the day authorities say the murder happened.
Corley said, "We asked her to let these people know here about their program and, so, she got up and in about five minutes just said what they're doing."
Outside the Billings home in Beulah, there are many balloons, flowers, letters and even a poem.
One poem in memory of the Billings said, "Forever Playing in Spring."
A woman who lives in Beulah said she's heard of Gonzales.
Pam Howard said, "Actually, I bonded a boy out today (Tuesday) that said he (Gonzalez) was his karate instructor."
When asked what he said about Gonzalez, Howard said, "He was floored. He couldn't believe it."
And many people still can't believe what happened in Beulah.

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