On the early morning of November 4, 2023, deputies were called to a home on the 5900 block of East State Road 45 near New Unionville after reports of a disturbance. Inside the residence officers found broken furniture and glass, and in the garage the body of 48-year-old Tara Langley of Bloomington. Langley had suffered a fatal gunshot wound to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. An AR-15-style rifle and a civilian-style taser were located nearby, and a large amount of blood was present in and around the garage.

Outside the house police detained 34-year-old Bryce Michael Leighton, who was found with what appeared to be blood on his hands and clothing. Leighton reportedly told officers he and Langley had been in a seven-year relationship, that she was intoxicated and had advanced on him with a taser, and that he was holding the rifle when it discharged. He was arrested, charged with murder, held without bond, and entered a plea of not guilty. Prosecutors say forensic evidence, including the positions of the suspect and the weapon, does not match the self-defense account.

If anyone knew Tara Langley, her routines, or witnessed activity near East State Road 45 that night, investigators want to hear from you.