A tragic incident unfolded in Camden, Ohio, when a misunderstanding involving a motorcycle and a woman who believed she saw her ex-boyfriend ended in a deadly act of violence.
Kenneth Wayne Brabant, 59, has been arrested and charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and assault following the death of 41-year-old Leigha Huff. Brabant is currently being held at the Preble County Jail.
The Incident
The incident took place on Sunday night when Leigha Huff was a passenger on a motorcycle being driven on Upper Somers Road in Camden.
According to reports from the Preble County Sheriff’s Office, they received a call from a woman in the area complaining that her ex-boyfriend was driving a motorcycle near her home, attempting to get her outside. The caller also mentioned that her father, Brabant, was outside at the time.
At some point, Huff’s motorcycle came down the road, and Brabant allegedly threw a machete at the vehicle, striking Huff in the leg. Audio from the driver of Huff’s motorcycle described the horrifying moment when Brabant allegedly approached them with the weapon.
The driver said, “I seen him coming out of the corner of my eye … and she was like, ‘oh my god,’ and then I sped up because I knew he had something. And she goes, ‘oh my god, I’m hit, I’m hit.'”
The Aftermath
The driver quickly drove to a friend’s home to get a phone and call for help, as Huff was bleeding heavily from the wound. Tragically, by the time emergency personnel arrived, Huff was pronounced dead.
Police have not yet confirmed if Huff’s ex-boyfriend was involved or if another motorcycle was present during the confrontation, but they did state that neither Huff nor her companion knew Brabant or his daughter.
Brabant’s Actions and Charges
Authorities also reported that Brabant attempted to hide the machete after the incident but later revealed its location to investigators. Brabant has been charged with murder, tampering with evidence, and assault in connection to the death of Huff.
At his court appearance on Wednesday, Brabant simply stated, “All I can say is I’m sorry,” but the judge cautioned him not to discuss the details of the case.
Preble County Sheriff Mike Simpson remarked that Brabant’s actions stemmed from a confrontation with Huff, which was based on a mistaken belief that she had been involved with her ex-boyfriend.
The sheriff emphasized that the tragic outcome was the result of a decision to confront someone based on assumptions, which led to deadly consequences.
The Community Impact
Camden, Ohio, is a small town about 40 miles north of Cincinnati, with a population of approximately 2,000 people. The quiet town has been shaken by this tragic event, and authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Huff’s death.
