MALIBU—On July 2, Patrick Kearns Leach, son of “Barney” creator Sheryl Leach, was sentenced to 15 years in prison.
This sentencing comes two and a half years after the original incident. On January 9, 2013, Leach was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after shooting his neighbor, Eric Shanks, in the chest. Leach had reportedly driven onto Shanks’ property and accused him of trespassing. When the argument became heated, Leach pulled out a .45 caliber handgun and started firing, hitting Shanks once in the chest. Leach then got into his car and drove away.
Bystanders called paramedics to scene in the 27000 block of West Winding Way, Malibu. Upon arrival, the paramedics stabilized Shanks. After later review, they found that the wound was not life-threatening.
Leach was picked up by police shortly after the incident, and was discovered wearing body armor and carrying various weapons.
Leach was released from police custody following the payment of his $1 million bail. In May, Leach pleaded no contest to assault with a semiautomatic firearm and shooting from a motor vehicle in connection with the incident.