By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
Kevin Ray James, 57, of San Bernardino, pleaded guilty to the 1997 killing of Monica Leech during an armed bank robbery in Thousand Oaks, Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced Wednesday.
James admitted to personally using a firearm during the crime and, as part of a plea agreement, will be sentenced to 19 years to life in state prison.
The resolution brings long-awaited closure to the Leech and Cavaletto families, who released a statement expressing relief and gratitude after nearly three decades of grief and uncertainty.
“Losing Monica has been an unbearable tragedy. While nothing can bring her back, we are pleased that the defendant has accepted responsibility for her death,” the family said. “This outcome brings a sense of justice and accountability and allows us to begin moving forward while honoring Monica’s memory. We want to thank investigators with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office for staying with it and achieving this outcome.”
Senior Deputy District Attorneys Richard Simon and Hayley Moyer of the Major Crimes Unit prosecuted the case.
“Today marks the successful conclusion of a 28-year pursuit of justice for Monica Leech and her family,” Simon said. “Thanks to the tireless efforts of law enforcement, Kevin James now stands convicted of murder with the personal use of a firearm. This resolution not only holds him accountable but also protects our community and spares Monica’s loved ones the pain of reliving this tragedy through a lengthy trial.”
The robbery occurred on April 28, 1997, when two men disguised as construction workers—wearing raincoats, hard hats, and pantyhose masks—entered the Western Financial Bank on Thousand Oaks Boulevard. They forced employees, including Leech, into the vault room and ordered them to open the safe.
Leech and another employee were handcuffed and forced to their knees before Leech was fatally shot. A mother of four from Camarillo, Leech died at the scene. The suspects escaped with just over $11,000 in cash.
The case remained unsolved for more than 20 years until new forensic evidence and investigative developments led authorities to identify James as one of the suspects. He was charged with Leech’s murder on March 13, 2023.
James is scheduled to be sentenced on June 13, 2025, at 9 a.m. in Courtroom 44 of the Ventura County Superior Court.
