A Washington County drummer is facing charges in the murder of Greenville’s former high school band director. The suspect, Leonard Stevenson Junior, and the slain band director, Billy Smiley Senior, had played together in a blues band for a time. Just hours prior to the killing, the two were seen jamming with a group of German musicians at a Greenville bar. Their performance at the bar was reportedly filmed that evening for potential inclusion in a documentary on blues music.
Stevenson is also a person-of-interest in the stabbing of fellow musician, Ronnie Tubbs. Tubbs was found on Smiley’s property, shortly after Smiley was discovered.
Meanwhile, Leland police are investigating Stevenson’s possible link to a third killing in Washington County. The third man is identified as Alonzo Dukes.
Stevenson is being extradited from Little Rock, Arkansas.
