IN THE NEWS

A news article by ABC12 about The Landon Leighton Memorial Scholarship

After months of court proceedings, Emmanuel Watterson has pled guilty to charges for the death of Landon Leighton, who was killed in a car crash on June 17, 2024. This plea brings the case one step closer to resolution and justice for Landon and his family.

Sentencing is scheduled for September 24, 2025, at 9:00 a.m., before The Honorable Judge Ariana E. Heath in Genesee County Circuit Court, Room 504.

If you would like to submit a victim impact statement but are unable to attend the sentencing in person, you may send your letter to:

The Honorable Judge Ariana E. Heath
Genesee County Probate Court
900 South Saginaw Street, Room 502
Flint, MI 48502

Please include your name, your connection to Landon, and clearly indicate that the letter is for Emmanuel Watterson’s sentencing.

On June 17, 2024, 16-year-old Clio High School student Landon Leighton tragically lost his life in a car accident on Field Road in Clio after the vehicle he was riding in struck a tree. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office. Residents have voiced long-standing concerns about speeding and dangerous driving over the railroad tracks on Field Road, with some calling for the road to be leveled, increased police presence, or speed cameras to improve safety.

On June 19, 2024, the Clio community gathered at Clio City Park to honor the life of 16-year-old Landon Leighton, who was tragically killed in a car accident just two days earlier. Friends, family, and hundreds of community members shared memories of Landon’s kindness, faith, and the light he brought to everyone he met. The evening was filled with tears, hugs, and words of hope, with loved ones encouraging each other to carry on his legacy until they meet again.