In a startling act of violence, a Minneapolis man confessed to burning a tent, severely burning a double amputee.#Minnesota #News #Crime #Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minnapolis, The attacker who left Minnesotan Minnesotaman battling for his life has pleaded guilty after he spent a terrifying night inside a burning tent close to Target Field in Minneapolis. Authorities described the December 2023 crime as a brutal assault intended to induce maximum misery, in which flames engulfed the victim, a double amputee.
For weeks, it was unclear if Steven J. Waddell, 58, would survive after suffering horrific burns that covered almost his whole body.
Anthony Curtis Leikas, 34, entered a guilty plea to first-degree assault in Hennepin County District Court on Monday, acknowledging his involvement in the horrific assault. He was charged with attempted premeditated first-degree murder by the prosecution, but the charge was withdrawn as part of the plea deal.
Fire Ignited by Words of Hate
On December 5, 2023, at around one in the morning, authorities received a call after fire broke out in a homeless camp close to Glenwood Avenue and Twins Way.
Officers discovered Waddell laying on the ground with burns covering 85% to 90% of his body.
The horrific facts came to light when Waddell informed the authorities that Leikas had said, “burn in hell,” right before he lit the tent on fire.
The terrifying scenario was later verified by surveillance footage. Shortly after midnight, Leikas was seen on camera approaching Waddell’s tent and departing just before it was destroyed by fire.
It took over an hour for emergency personnel to arrive at Waddell. He suffered terrible wounds while he awaited their assistance.
Evidence Points Directly to Leikas
Using surveillance footage from a nearby petrol station that identified Leikas and connected him to the suspect seen on camera close to the tent, investigators were able to piece together their case.
Leikas first denied starting the fire and blamed two other people for negligently throwing ignited cigarette butts.
But there was no reason to disbelieve the evidence against him.
A Criminal History That Spans Over a Decade
The legal system is nothing new to Leikas. His criminal history began in 2008, when he was found guilty on several robbery and burglary charges. He was found guilty of aggravated robbery that year and given a sentence of over five years in jail. He was sentenced to almost three years in prison again in 2016 after being found guilty of simple robbery.
He has now been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his most recent offense, with the remaining years to be served under supervision. His punishment will include the time he has spent since his arrest.
In one of the most eerie cases in the city, Waddell’s attacker’s conviction represents a step toward justice, but the wounds from this vicious attack may never fully heal.
CONNECTED TOPICS: Minnesota Crime
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