NEWPORT BEACH : Man Could Face Death Penalty in Motorist’s Slaying

Prosecutors filed a new charge Friday that could lead to the death penalty or life in prison for Leonard James Patton, a Minnesota drifter charged in the beating death of a Huntington Harbour woman earlier this month.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Debbie Lloyd filed a special circumstance allegation in Municipal Court in Newport Beach against Patton in connection with the slaying of Jessica Ellen Uniack, 47. Lloyd said that prosecutors believe Patton killed Uniack, a mother of two, after kidnaping her or while attempting to abduct her.

Although the new charge qualifies Patton for the gas chamber, Lloyd said that prosecutors have not decided whether to seek the death penalty or life in prison without parole.

He is being held without bail in Orange County Jail, Lloyd said.

Patton, 29, of St. Anthony, Minn., was arrested in the bludgeoning death of Uniack.

Police said that Patton and Uniack were involved in a minor traffic accident Dec. 8 on Pacific Coast Highway near Seal Beach Boulevard.

According to Irvine police, Patton attacked Uniack about 9:45 a.m. when the two stopped to exchange information.

Patton left his rented minivan at the scene and drove Uniack’s Toyota Land Cruiser to the back entrance of Irvine Medical Center, where he abandoned the vehicle with Uniack inside, police said.

Hospital officials found Uniack’s battered body about two hours later under a pile of blankets and clothes in the passenger seat.

Patton was arrested about 7:30 that evening, after a motorist who saw him walking north on Newport Coast Drive became suspicious and called police.

Police investigators said Uniack was on her way to deliver homemade coconut cookies to a friend when she apparently collided with Patton’s van. Police said they have not developed a motive for the killing.

However, an investigation after Patton’s arrest revealed that he had a history of paranoia that caused some family members to believe he might be dangerous. Investigators also said that Patton was arrested in September in Ft. Worth for auto theft, but the charge was dropped.

He is scheduled for arraignment Jan. 27 in Municipal Court, Lloyd said.

Patton’s attorney, Deputy Public Defender Vicky Briles, could not be reached for comment.