Remembering Les Crane

Today ladies and gentlemen, we are going to put our attention and focus on a Laytonville cannabis crusader who was shot to death in his home in California back on the early Friday morning of November 18th, 2005 at about 2:30 a.m.

Many of you might be wondering why we are looking all the way back to 2005, and so if you allow us to explain, it's because this unsolved murder is still in need of attention, answers, and justice for he and his family, loved ones and community. Leslie Charles Crane, who was 39 at the time of his murder, was the owner of "Mendo Spiritual Remedies" in Laytonville and "Hemp Plus Ministry" in Ukiah, California.

According to Ms. Jennifer Drewry whom with in the house with Les through his murder, "Four to six guys ... they were wearing all black with black masks. Les was in bed sleeping. I was sleeping in another bedroom."

The intruders beat another man known as "The Count" whom was also sleeping in the home at the time with the bat, while Crane was shot and killed according to Ms. Drewry. "The men in the masks stayed with Les, killing him and taking his medical marijuana and his money." Reports indicate that all of the money and cannabis Les had in his safe were taken.

"He was lying there; he could still talk. There was a lot of blood." Les Crane was shot in the back of the head, in an arm and in his abdomen. "There was so much blood I couldn't see all the holes."' she said.

Several of Crane's friends told reporters they were convinced at least one of the invaders knew the layout of the residence, and sheriff's deputies at the time agreed with their suspicions. A few official suspects were looked at including Charles Edward "Eddy" Lepp but ultimately because it was a cannabis related case, well let's just say that it like many remain unsolved and seem to get little effort by law enforcement meaning ultimately that Les's murderers remain on the loose, at least as far as anyone knows.

Les came to Mendocino County just over three years before he was killed with only $100 and a dog after selling his tie-dye business in Florida to get away from the white drugs that was taking over, including his very own life. He turned the $100 into a sizable profit that harvest and took the nest egg and started his first dispensary and then he opened a youth center in Laytonville which proved to be of great benefit to the Laytonville community..

On 1 April 2004, he opened a medical marijuana co-operative last known as "Mendo Spiritual Remedies" which was praised for having served more than 800 people in the Laytonville area. Les then went on to open "Hemp Plus Ministry", which opened about two months before his death.Crane opened the Hemp Plus church and dispensary in Ukiah in September 2005 which was in Ukiah and already had 350 clients, according to those who worked there. 'He spent $7,000 of his own money to buy 350 turkeys both for Ukiah Food Bank and Laytonville Food Bank,'

His teen center was clean and sober and the teens did use it. He also gave to charities.

born February 4, 1966 in Norwich, Ct. Les was far from a small individual, his height was 6 feet 1 inches tall and was 210 pounds

'He was very thankful to be alive and to help the community. That was his only objective in life — to help others,'

Les is survived by his wife of 20 years Jennifer Suzanne Crane, daughter Cynthia Kerri Nicole Crane, son Jeremiah J. Crane, step sons Christopher N. Privett; Killian Crane parents James P. Ford (step father) Frances M. Ford, sisters Laura Smith-Godere and Heather Ford.

on Saturday, December 10, 2005 at 12 noon in West Port a memorial service was held for Les under the direction of the Eversole Mortuary. Many came together not understanding why it was they were having to say goodbye to him.

"I am Les’s son and I’m glad people haven’t forgotten. I hope maybe this gets someone to do what they should finally. Thanks." Jeremiah Crane.

If you or someone you know Might possibly have ANY information no matter how big or even insignufucant it mmight seem, you are asked and highly encouraged to reach out either to us directly, or to the Mendicino County Sherriff's office. If you do, please reference your communication to Les's case directly so they will know what your contacting them about. That information is : MCSO Case#: 05-3952