Lee Greenwalt convicted of killing Leah Zweidinger on New Year's Day

Lina Portman3 days ago

2 2 minutes read

CANTON — Leah C. Zweidinger had a tough life, but she put one foot in front of the other to keep going, her friend Tiffany Witmer told a judge Wednesday.

The 48-year-old Akron woman had finally achieved her dream of having her own home where she lived with her son, Witmer said during the court proceedings in which Zweidinger's killer admitted guilt and was sent to prison.

“She hasn't even been in this new dream home for two years,” Witmer said.

Zweidinger's life ended Jan. 1 at the Perry Township home of Lee R. Greenwalt, who stabbed his girlfriend multiple times for reasons that were not made clear at his plea hearing and sentencing before Stark County Common Pleas Judge Chryssa N. Hartnett.

The judge sentenced Greenwalt, 47, to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 15 years for murder and felonious assault after he pleaded guilty to the offenses. That sentence is the only one allowed under state law, Hartnett said.

At the prosecutor's request, Hartnett dismissed charges of assault, resisting arrest and a murder charge.

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Defense attorney Herbert Morello said the incident was “something completely out of context” compared to anything Greenwalt has done in his life. He added that he wasn't sure Greenwalt understood what happened.

Morello withdrew his plea of not guilty by reason of insanity, which had been previously entered on Greenwalt's behalf. A report on his mental state at the time of the crime is kept under seal in the court file.

If given the opportunity to speak on his behalf, Greenwalt said he would bring Zweidinger back if he could. He said it was difficult.

The judge said she didn't think Greenwalt could imagine how difficult it must be for those on the other side of the courtroom. They included Zweidinger's friends, family and the Perry Township police detectives who investigated the case.

Hartnett said Greenwalt's plea eliminated the need for a trial in which a “horrific” video would have been shown. The judge, who did not specify the source of the video or what it showed, said she may have never seen anything as disturbing in all her years in the criminal justice system.

Perry Township Police Chief Bryan D. Taylor said officers found Zweidinger lying in the front yard of Greenwalt's home, unconscious.

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Hartnett said all the killings were senseless, but Zweidinger's was particularly so.

Stark County Assistant Prosecutor Megan E. Starrett called Zweidinger's killing “an absolutely brutal and senseless act.”

Witmer said Zweidinger, who had been her friend since before she was 10, was a pacifist who never laid a hand on anyone.

She said Zweidinger's character exceeded anything she would find in a friend.

“She always took care of others before she took care of herself,” Witmer said. “She was good to her family and friends. You could tell her anything and she wouldn’t tell anyone else.”

Witmer said she would oppose Greenwalt's parole when he is eligible.

“I'll be there to make sure you don't escape,” she said.

If released, Greenwalt will have to spend between 18 months and three years on probation. He will have to register his address in a state database of violent offenders.

Contact Nancy at 330-580-8382 or [email protected]. On X, formerly known as Twitter: @nmolnarTR.

Lina Portman

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