Melissa Gregory

mgregory@thetowntalk.com, (318) 792-1807

A Hessmer man is facing an attempted murder charge after he allegedly shot his wife early Thursday morning, according to police.

Officers with the Marksville Police Department were called to Avoyelles Hospital around 2:45 a.m. on Thursday because a gunshot wound victim had been brought to the hospital, reads a press release from the department.

Officers were told that the victim, 31-year-old Candace Leonard, was being treated for a gunshot wound to her lower right abdomen. An investigation started, finding out the shooting happened on Cannon Street in Marksville.

The suspect was the victim's husband, 25-year-old Keith Leonard of Hessmer, reads the release.

Keith Leonard was arrested and booked into the Avoyelles Parish Jail. He was charged with attempted second-degree murder.

"No motive has been determined at this time, and the investigation continues," reads the release.