Conman Cleared But Coroner Finds Murder | Manchester News

A conman who walked free after a trial claiming his wife drowned accidentally is now facing renewed scrutiny as a civil judge and coroner both concluded he murdered her for money. Donald McPherson, who took out $3.5 million in life insurance on his wife Paula Leeson just before her death in 2017, began draining her accounts within hours of her body being found. Despite a not-guilty verdict in criminal court, a civil judge ruled he unlawfully killed her — strangling her then drowning her in Denmark — while the coroner agreed, citing his financial desperation as motive. Police confirm homicide, calling it a miscarriage of justice, and say no one else is suspected. Now living in New Zealand, McPherson could face retrial if new evidence surfaces — including data from his old laptop — as the family remains determined to see him held accountable for killing their beloved matriarch. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/83f76f02a1d77178