Man who punched a woman on video is wanted on a murder charge in Dallas

A man seen in surveillance video punching a woman in the face is wanted by Dallas police in connection with a murder investigation, according to investigators.

Police found the woman, who they identified as Gina Elder, 40, after they responded to a disturbance call about 3:15 a.m. Tuesday at a Super 7 Inn in the 4200 block of Independence Drive, a news release said.

Elder was found unresponsive in the motel parking lot and later pronounced dead, according to police.

Video surveillance showed Elder being punched in the face by the suspect, who was later identified as Leonard Jerome Sowell, 36. Sowell, who is now wanted on a murder charge in her death, left the area on foot before officers arrived.

Homicide investigators responded to the motel, along with officials with the Dallas County Medical Examiner’s office.

Police released two videos. The second video released by Dallas police can be accessed through their blog.

Dallas police are asking anyone with information on the location of Leonard Sowell to call 911.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Jeffrey Loeb with the Dallas Police Department Homicide Unit at 214-671-3702, or email him at jeffrey.loeb@dallascityhall.com.

Police also ask that callers reference case #090638-2019.

Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for information called into Crime Stoppers that leads to an arrest and indictment on this felony offense and other felony offenses, according to Dallas police.

Those with information can call Crime Stoppers at 214-373-8477 anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.