NBA champion Kawhi Leonard is facing some grim news ahead of the upcoming season after his sister was recently charged with the robbery and murder of an 84-year-old woman.
According to police reports, authorities found 84-year-old Afaf Anis Assad unconcious in a California casino bathroom on August 31. The Los Angeles Clippers star’ sister is one of two women who were arrested and charged with Assad’s death, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said in a news release. Investigators determined Assad “may have been the victim of an assault.”
Assad was transferred to a hospital near the Pechanga Resort Casino where she was found but she died from her injuries days later, the sheriff’s department said.
“We are absolutely saddened over this incident and are praying for the victim and her family,” President of the Pechanga Development Corporation Jared Munoa said.
35-year-old Kimesha Williams and 39-year-old Candace Townsel were both arrested and charged with robbery and murder “due to their involvement in Assad’s death,” the department said.
“The suspects were quickly identified through surveillance footage and the information was immediately provided to local law enforcement,” Munoa said. “We pride ourselves on putting the safety of our guests and Team Members first and are fully cooperating with law enforcement to bring these perpetrators to justice.”
It was Williams’ aunt, Denise Woodard, who confirmed that Williams is the sister to the NBA star, according to a statement she gave The Press-Enterprise while speaking through a window at the Williams family home in Moreno Valley. Williams will appear in court September 19, jail records show.
The 28-year-old NBA champion has just enjoyed his most successful year in the league after he helped lead the Toronto Raptors to their first championship win in the NBA Finals and was named Finals MVP for the second time in his basketball career. LA Clippers are excited to see Leonard come back to his hometown after he signed with team back in July.
News of Leonard’s sister comes a few weeks after the older brother of US Olympic gold medalist Simon Biles was charged with a triple murder.
