CHICAGO — After nearly three decades, justice has finally been served in a 1997 California bank murder — and the outcome is resonating far beyond state lines. Kevin Ray James, now 56, has been sentenced to 19 years to life in prison for the execution-style killing of Monica Leech, a bank employee shot during a robbery in Thousand Oaks, California.
While the crime occurred across the country, its resolution holds deep meaning for many in Cook County and the Chicago area, where hundreds of cold case families are still waiting for similar answers.
Bank Robbery Disguised as Construction Work Turned Fatal
The fatal incident occurred on May 29, 1997, when James and an unidentified accomplice dressed as construction workers to gain access to Western Financial Bank. They handcuffed employees, forced them into the vault, and demanded access to funds.
Despite complying with their demands, 39-year-old Monica Leech was shot and killed as she kneeled on the floor — a moment her coworkers would describe as both senseless and traumatizing.
Forensics Helped Crack the Case After 25 Years
After years of dead ends, investigators reopened the case using advanced forensic evidence, ultimately leading to James’ arrest and guilty plea. He admitted to using a firearm during the robbery and entered a guilty plea on May 16, 2025.
He was formally sentenced by Ventura County Superior Court on June 13, 2025, in a case that has long haunted the community.
Victim’s Family Speaks Out at Sentencing
During the emotional hearing, Monica’s husband Floyd Leech told the court:
“The hurts, nightmares, and heartaches we all have will never go away, for one senseless act. You already had what you came for — all you had to do was leave.”
Her sister, Christina, and co-worker Scott also testified about the lasting trauma of that day, sharing stories that echo the pain felt by countless Chicago-area families still waiting for justice.
Why This Matters for Cook County Cold Case Families
While the Thousand Oaks case was based in California, the message resonates in Illinois. Cook County is home to hundreds of unsolved murders, missing person cases, and violent robberies — many dating back just as far. Families in Cicero, Berwyn, South Chicago, and the West Side continue to hold out hope.
Cases like this show that cold case justice is possible — even after 25+ years — especially as new forensic tools and DNA analysis methods come into play.
In recent years, the Cook County Sheriff’s Office Cold Case Unit has reopened dozens of dormant investigations, including cases from the late 1990s, with renewed urgency and hope.
Justice Delayed, Not Denied
The case was prosecuted by Senior Deputy District Attorneys Richard Simon and Hayley Moyer of Ventura County’s Major Crimes Unit.
“This sentencing is the culmination of a lot of hard work by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office,” said Simon. “It proves that justice is still possible — no matter how much time has passed.”
While the second suspect in the robbery remains unidentified, the conviction of James brings long-awaited closure to Monica Leech’s family — and inspiration to those still waiting.
Have You or Someone You Know Been Waiting on a Cold Case in Chicago?
The justice delivered in California is a reminder that long-standing silence doesn’t mean the story is over. If you or someone in your community is still seeking answers in an unsolved Chicago-area case, reach out to law enforcement or share your story with ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com. Let’s keep the hope — and the pressure — alive.
