Leon Gladwell Sought to Withdraw Arson Plea
The 46-year-old requested to retract his guilty plea for first-degree arson following a 2020 hotel explosion.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Crime — General
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Leon Gladwell has filed to withdraw his guilty plea for first-degree arson related to a September 2020 gas canister explosion at a Longmont hotel. Gladwell, who previously served 23 years for a 1998 murder conviction, entered the plea in August 2026.
Why it matters
The motion to withdraw the plea complicates a lengthy legal process that saw the dismissal of 13 attempted murder counts against Gladwell. His legal history includes a prior conviction for murdering his grandmother and a subsequent parole violation that preceded the hotel incident.
Gladwell currently faces 10 to 32 years in prison for first-degree arson after prosecutors dismissed 13 counts of attempted murder in September 2026. The 46-year-old previously entered a not guilty by reason of insanity plea in November 2021.
The players
Leon Gladwell
He is a 46-year-old previously convicted of murdering his grandmother in 1998.
Daniel Kilian
He is the police officer who shot Gladwell following the explosion at the Residence Inn by Marriott.
The details
Gladwell allegedly barricaded himself inside a Residence Inn by Marriott in September 2020 and ignited a gas canister while throwing items at police officers from a window. Officer Daniel Kilian shot Gladwell during the confrontation, which occurred while police attempted to arrest him for a parole violation involving possession of knives.
Timeline
In 1998, Gladwell was convicted of murdering his grandmother.
On April 2, 2020, Gladwell was released on parole.
A gas canister explosion occurred at a hotel in September 2020.
Gladwell pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity in November 2021.
Gladwell entered his guilty plea on August 3, 2026.
Legal Context
The current arson charge marks a significant escalation for an individual whose criminal history dates back to the 1998 murder conviction of Leon Gladwell. This case highlights the complexities of recidivism and the judicial process for offenders who have served decades in prison.
The legal proceedings regarding the explosion at the local Residence Inn by Marriott are a matter of public safety for Longmont residents. The resolution of this case will determine the final sentencing outcome and clarify the status of the charges filed against the suspect.
The takeaway
Understanding the history of defendants with long criminal records is essential for tracking local court outcomes. Residents interested in local safety should follow the court dockets to stay updated on the status of this ongoing legal matter.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Crime — General section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Boulder Daily Camera.
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