The investigation into Todd Chance’s murder uncovered a complex web of motives and deceit that eventually resulted in the conviction of his wife, Leslie Jenea Chance.

Leslie, who had previously struggled with several low-paying jobs as a single mother, achieved great success as an elementary school principal through her intellect and perseverance.

However, prosecutors alleged that Jenea used these traits to cover up her involvement in Todd’s murder.

Growing up in Bakersfield, Jenea was previously married to her high school sweetheart until she discovered his infidelity while pregnant.

After becoming a single mother at age 22, Jenea worked multiple jobs while completing her teaching degree, including a job as a drug store cashier, where she met Todd, a security guard.

The couple married in 1996, a year after their first date.

Bullman, Jenea’s daughter from a previous relationship, has fond memories of Todd, a father figure to her.

Todd drove trucks while Jenea completed her teacher training, and after her certification, Jenea was quickly promoted from teaching to administration, eventually becoming the principal of Fairview Elementary School.

Who was Todd Chance? What happened to him?

Born on March 10, 1968, Todd Chance was a devoted father to his three daughters, Jessica, Sarah, and Samantha. He was passionate about motorcycles, cars and trucks and worked as a truck driver.

Todd was married for 17 years to Leslie Chance, an elementary school principal, and his wife.

Tragically, Todd’s life was cut short on August 25, 2013 when his body was discovered in an almond grove.

Tire tracks matching Todd’s 2011 Ford Mustang were found nearby, but the vehicle went missing. The results of post-mortem examination showed that Todd had been shot twice at close range.

According to reports from Dateline NBC, law enforcement officers later found Todd’s abandoned car at an intersection about 20 miles away. The vehicle was unlocked and Todd’s revolver was discovered on the floorboard.

Following the discovery of Todd Chance’s body in an almond grove in Bakersfield, law enforcement officials attempted to unravel the events leading up to his demise.

With the help of CCTV from the intersection where Todd’s car was discovered and eyewitness accounts, authorities were able to quickly unravel the mystery surrounding his untimely death.

Residents told police that a middle-aged person left the vehicle, prompting officials to search all available surveillance footage for clues.

However, despite a thorough examination of the footage, the suspect’s gender remained unknown, as their clothing gave no clear indication.

The suspect had gone to great lengths to evade law enforcement, including calling a taxi from a public telephone and changing clothes on multiple occasions.

Ultimately, the suspect’s trial led authorities back to Todd and Leslie Chance’s residence, making Leslie a suspect in the case.

However, what motivated Leslie to commit such a crime remained unanswered.

Who killed Todd Chance?

Leslie Chance was taken into custody on August 29, 2013 on suspicion of murdering Todd Chance, as stated in court documents.

Authorities alleged that Leslie plotted to kill Todd to collect on his life insurance policy. However, the district attorney’s office later ordered the sheriff’s office to look into the case further, resulting in Leslie’s release.

During their investigation, law enforcement officers discovered nude photos and text messages Todd and his ex-fiancée had exchanged on his phone.

Consequently, Leslie’s motives for killing her husband seemed to have deepened.

Three years later, Leslie was arrested again and charged with first-degree murder. After a protracted legal battle, Leslie Chance was found guilty of murdering her husband in September 2020.