Franklin County Man Accused Of Assaulting Girlfriend, Killing Dog

A Franklin County man is accused of severely beating his girlfriend and killing her dog.

Leslie M. Rector, 29, has been charged with first-degree domestic assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and first-degree animal abuse.

He is being held without bond at the Franklin County Jail.

According to Franklin County Sheriff Steven Pelton, the victim had “extensive and serious injuries” to her face and head due to a “brutal” assault.

Around 9:50 p.m., deputies responded to a residence in the 800 block of Sparrow Lane in Labadie for an assault.

A male victim said Rector approached him on his porch and began asking where his girlfriend was. The victim told Rector she wasn’t there and Rector allegedly assaulted him.

Rector walked away from the residence, but he was taken into custody by deputies. He was reportedly intoxicated and began to resist arrest. 

Rector was taken to jail for an outstanding warrant for driving while intoxicated.

Around 1:30 a.m., Pacific Police were at the Pilot gas station with the female victim. She was allegedly assaulted by Rector and left the vehicle. Police found her at the gas station. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.

Deputies went to a home in the 400 block of Northridge in Labadie, which is shared by Rector and the victim. They located a van in the driveway with an open window. The victim’s dog was located deceased from a gunshot wound.

A handgun magazine was found on the ground outside the driver’s side door as well as a pistol. Bullet holes were observed in the interior of the van.

Rector has a lengthy criminal history. 

He was sentenced to two years probation in 2023 for fourth-degree assault. 

The DWI warrant he was wanted on had been outstanding since August 2023. Rector is accused of drunkenly crashing into a vehicle on Highway AT.

His blood alcohol level was .141. 

Rector was sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle, unlawful possession of a firearm and theft.

He also pleaded guilty to DWI in 2014, burglary and theft in 2014 and was incarcerated for 15 days for third-degree assault in 2016.