BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The sentencing for Leslie Chance, the former elementary school principal found guilty of murder in the 2013 shooting of her husband, has been postponed due to medical reasons.
Judge Charles R. Brehmer informed the courtroom Monday morning that Chance was not in the courtroom this morning because she was being checked for a health issue. Due to this, the sentencing would be postponed until Wednesday, March 11, when he will assess her condition.
Chance's attorney Tony Lidgett informed 23ABC that Chance is suffering from pneumonia. He said he is working towards a hearing for a new trial in April.
Chance was found guilty in January for the shooting death of her husband Todd Chance in 2013. Todd was found shot twice in an almond orchard off of Highway 43 and Noriega Road in Southwest Bakersfield.
Chance has always held that she did not kill her husband. During the trial, her eldest daughter testified that she did not believe her mother could have killed Todd.
The prosecution held throughout the trial that Chance killed her husband because of an alleged affair and for financial reasons. They argued the couple was spending far beyond their means and that if Chance killed Todd, she would receive thousands in life-insurance.
The defense argued that the entire trial was based on circumstantial evidence and nothing proved Chance committed the crime. On the day the verdict was read, defense attorney Tony Lidgett told 23ABC he was completely shocked by the guilty verdict.
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