A Mountain View woman, Leah Billingsley, is facing multiple felony charges after deputies say she assaulted her 13‑year‑old daughter and pointed a loaded handgun at her during an argument on August 27, according to a probable cause statement filed by the Howell County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy Kyle Holloway reported that the disturbance began as a verbal argument and escalated into a physical altercation in which the victim said she was shoved, struck in the back, pulled by the hair, and dragged from her bed. Billingsley allegedly admitted retrieving a handgun during the incident and “exhibited it,” with the victim telling investigators she believed her mother would shoot her. The statement notes Billingsley acknowledged the firearm was loaded when she drew it and that the victim did not know she later unloaded it.
Billingsley is charged with unlawful use of a weapon, armed criminal action, domestic assault, and first‑degree endangering the welfare of a child. Deputies say the victim appeared scared and believed the threat was real. The filing states Billingsley’s continued access to the child poses an ongoing danger, her bond was set at $50,000.
