Leonard Watkins, 62, a San Diego resident, was found dead on October 22, 2022 in a homeless encampment in the Encanto neighborhood. His body was in a state of decomposition and the San Diego Police Department reported traumatic upper-body injuries; the autopsy determined he had been shot and ruled the death a homicide.

Investigators identified 34-year-old Jenei Chalon Pendleton as an acquaintance of Watkins and arrested her on November 3, 2022. She was taken into custody by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, transported to San Diego, and booked into County Jail on a murder charge. Police have not disclosed a suspected motive, and the investigation is ongoing.

Did anyone in Encanto or the surrounding area see Watkins with Pendleton or notice anything unusual around October 22, 2022?