Jacob Lee Leckenby Obituary, Death – The Allen County Coroner’s Office has officially identified the man who was killed by Fort Wayne police earlier this week following a violent altercation that left an officer injured.
In a statement released Friday, the coroner confirmed the deceased as 33-year-old Jacob Lee Leckenby. His death was the result of multiple gunshot wounds sustained during a confrontation with police at a residence on St. Marys Avenue.
The incident unfolded Monday evening when officers with the Fort Wayne Police Department were dispatched to the home after receiving reports of a domestic disturbance. According to authorities, the situation quickly escalated after their arrival. While speaking with those inside, an argument broke out between Leckenby and one of the officers. Investigators say that argument suddenly turned violent when Leckenby stabbed the officer.
In response, other officers at the scene fired their weapons, striking Leckenby multiple times. He was pronounced dead shortly afterward at the scene despite the efforts of emergency personnel. The injured officer, whose name has not been released, received medical treatment. Officials have not provided details about the severity of the stabbing injuries but confirmed that the officer survived the attack.
The Allen County Coroner ruled Leckenby’s death a homicide, specifically classifying it as a “police action shooting,” which is the standard designation used when a person dies from gunfire involving law enforcement. This ruling does not imply criminal wrongdoing by officers but serves as an official determination of the manner of death.
The case remains under active investigation by multiple agencies. Police are reviewing the circumstances that led to the initial domestic disturbance call, as well as the moments that preceded the stabbing and subsequent shooting. Detectives are expected to examine body camera footage, interview witnesses, and evaluate physical evidence to gain a complete picture of the events.
Neighbors in the area reported being startled by the heavy police presence on Monday night. Several residents described hearing shouting and then a series of gunshots. The sudden burst of violence has left many in the community shaken, as they await more details about what caused the situation to escalate so drastically.
Leckenby’s death adds to ongoing conversations about encounters between civilians and law enforcement, particularly in cases where disputes quickly turn physical. Police leaders emphasized that officers responded with deadly force only after one of their own was attacked with a knife. Officials also noted that such incidents highlight the unpredictable nature of domestic disturbance calls, which are often considered some of the most dangerous situations officers face.
The stabbing and subsequent police shooting will undergo standard reviews to ensure procedures were followed. Typically, such investigations include input from the coroner, local prosecutors, and law enforcement oversight bodies. These reviews aim to determine whether the use of force was justified under the circumstances.
For now, authorities are releasing limited information while the investigation continues. The coroner’s confirmation of Leckenby’s identity provides some clarity, but many questions remain about what triggered the confrontation inside the St. Marys Avenue residence and what led Leckenby to lash out violently.
The Fort Wayne Police Department has asked the public for patience as investigators gather evidence and conduct interviews. They have also urged anyone with information related to the incident to come forward. Updates are expected once the case progresses further, but no timeline has been provided.
As the community grapples with the aftermath, the focus remains on the recovery of the injured officer and the completion of a thorough investigation into the sequence of events that ended with the death of 33-year-old Jacob Lee Leckenby.
