Lexington restaurant owner convicted of killing wife’s lover dies days into prison term

Image: Eleventh Circuit Solicitor’s Office

Richland Co., SC (WOLO) — Convicted killer and Midlands restaurant owner ,Greg Leon, has died in prison.

The SC Department of Corrections Tweeted the following statement: ‘Inmate Gregorio M. Leon, 56, died at a local hospital late last night. Leon was found unresponsive in his cell at Kirkland shortly after lunch yesterday. The death is being investigated as a suspected suicide.’

According to the South Carolina Department of Corrections Leon was found hanging in his cell around 12:30pm Friday. Lifesaving measures began immediately and he was taken to the hospital where he died shortly before midnight. Corrections officials say Leon had a cellmate but he was alone at the time. An autopsy will be performed.

Saturday morning Leon’s attorney Eric Bland tweeted that Greg Leon died just before midnight Friday night.

Life keeps delivering blows. My good friend and friend to so many Greg Leon passed away at 11:56 last night. I am really hurting. He left a legacy for sure. 2023 has not been a great year for me so far. Maybe even years are better. Greg lived a full life. He was super religious.… pic.twitter.com/Pvwh9xUP4x

— Eric Bland (@TheEricBland) July 15, 2023

Leon is the Lexington restaurant owner convicted last week, in the 2016 Valentine’s Day murder of his wife’s lover.