Johnston County, N.C. – The county district attorney’s office announced that no criminal charges will be filed against Deputy Derek Leagan, who shot and killed Antony Richardson during a January 25 crisis call. The decision follows a thorough investigation by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and a review of body‑camera footage.
Investigation findings
According to District Attorney Jason Waller, the deputies responded to a 911 call from Richardson’s wife, Dorleen Richardson, who reported that her husband had been in the garage for two days, was acting irrationally, and claimed to have a gun. Family members, including children, were present in the home.
When deputies arrived around 11:40 a.m., the garage door was opened and Richardson was seen sitting in a chair holding a handgun. The report states that Deputy Leagan ordered Richardson to put the gun down more than 40 times over a period of more than two minutes. Richardson allegedly threatened to kill someone and refused to comply.
Deputies observed Richardson move the firearm from behind his back to the front of his body. At that moment, Leagan fired multiple rounds. Richardson continued to hold the gun as Leagan fired a final shot that struck him in the chest. Despite life‑saving efforts, Richardson died at the scene. A loaded firearm was recovered near his body.
Legal justification
The DA’s office concluded that the use of deadly force was justified under North Carolina law because the deputies faced an imminent threat of death or great bodily harm. The investigation noted that a gun fell from Richardson’s hand four seconds before the final shot, and that both Leagan and the deputy closest to Richardson reasonably believed the firearm was still in his hand as they continued to issue commands.
While the report acknowledges Richardson’s mental‑health history, including post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the DA stated that these issues did not eliminate the immediate danger posed by his possession and use of a firearm.
Family’s response
In an interview with WRAL, Dorleen Richardson expressed that she felt the crisis response was mishandled. She said no attempts were made to de‑escalate the situation before lethal force was used. “I never thought in a million years that calling for help would result in him being dead within ten minutes,” she said.
Richardson’s widow also voiced disappointment that her husband was not taken to a mental‑health facility, as she had hoped. The DA’s office, however, emphasized that the deputies acted within the bounds of the law given the perceived threat.
What’s next
Deputy Leagan is no longer employed by the sheriff’s office, according to the DA. The department has not indicated any further internal disciplinary actions. The case highlights ongoing challenges in responding to mental‑health crises and the balance between public safety and compassionate care.
Residents seeking help for mental‑health emergencies are reminded to call or text 988, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800‑273‑8255. Veterans can press “1” after dialing 988 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Lifeline.
Original reporting: WRAL Raleigh — read the source article.
