How a 'CSI' Exhibit Inspired a Principal's Murder
When an ordinary school principal, Jenea Chance, found herself embroiled in a sensational murder case, no one could have predicted the dark twists it would take. The shocking revelation that she used tricks learned from a "CSI" exhibit to murder her husband left the community in disbelief, wondering how such a trusted figure could commit such a heinous act.
The Crime Scene
On the morning of Aug. 25, 2013, a man's body was found at the edge of an almond orchard with two gunshot wounds to the chest. The victim was identified as Todd Chance, Jenea's husband. Jenea told investigators that she last saw Todd around 7:30 a.m. when he left for a gun show in his black Ford Mustang. Jenea mentioned that Todd, a gun enthusiast, was missing an old .38 revolver from his collection, a gun he rarely took with him. Detectives initially suspected a carjacking, but when they found Todd's unlocked car with a key and the handle of a revolver on the floorboard, they began to suspect a planned murder.
The Investigation
Despite her efforts to create the perfect crime scene, Jenea made several critical mistakes that led to her downfall. Investigators noted inconsistencies in her story and found evidence that contradicted her claims. A search of Todd's car revealed a crucial clue, a single fingerprint on the driver's side door, which belonged to Jenea. Her DNA was also found on the gear shaft, directly contradicting her statement that she never drove her husband's car.
When questioned further about her husband's murder, she denied any involvement and requested a lawyer, leading to her arrest on murder charges. However, due to a lack of evidence, the Kern County district attorney's office declined to press charges, and Jenea was released after five days.
As investigators continued to build their case, they discovered a photograph of the Chance family visiting an exhibit called "CSI: The Experience" during a family vacation. This exhibit, located at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, allowed visitors to solve simulated crimes using forensic techniques. One scenario involved a woman who shot her ex-husband and left his body in a deserted area. Authorities believe Jenea learned how to eliminate DNA and dispose of clothing from this exhibit.
Another significant break came when Jenea claimed she was at home on her computer at the time of Todd's murder. However, an FBI inspection revealed no computer activity during that period.
After three years of arduous and meticulous work by investigators, Jenea Chance was arrested for the murder of her husband in December 2016.
The Trial and Motive
During her murder trial in January 2020, prosecutors presented a case suggesting that Jenea Chance killed her husband, Todd, after discovering explicit texts he had exchanged with his ex-fiancé. They argued that Jenea, who earned significantly more than Todd, faced the prospect of paying alimony if they divorced. The prosecution claimed that Jenea saw murder as a cheaper alternative, allowing her to collect his $250,000 life insurance policy. After a four-and-a-half-week trial, Jenea Chance was charged with first-degree murder with a sentence of 25 years in prison, with an additional sentence of 25 years for firearms enhancement.
Educational Consequences
Jenea Chance's conviction for the murder of her husband, Todd, is a chilling reminder of how easily knowledge from a seemingly innocent source could be misused. The fact that Jenea learned how to cover up evidence from a "CSI" exhibit, intended for educational purposes, underscores a terrifying reality where the tools meant to teach can also enable dark intentions. Janea's meticulous planning, inspired by a crime show exhibit, turned a trusted school principal into a calculated murderer. This case serves as a stark warning about the unforeseen consequences of media influence in our communities.
References: School Principal Uses Tricks She Learned From 'CSI' Exhibit To Murder Husband | Dateline Unforgettable: Where Todd Chance’s Killer Leslie Jenea Chance Now
