A Los Angeles mom is asking for an apology and the return of her vehicle after being named as a suspect in a murder she says she didn’t commit.

Cherie Townsend was named by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department as the suspect in the May 3 murder of 66-year-old Susan Leeds at Promenade on the Peninsula in Rolling Hills Estates.

She was arrested at gunpoint on May 17 in Victorville while driving at night. 

The department said they had critical evidence that connected her to the crime. Townsend said she believes the evidence includes the fact that car was parked near the victim’s car and she lost her cell phone in the parking lot.

Yet, Townsend was never charged with any crime. The District Attorney asked the Sheriff’s department for additional follow-up investigation.

Townsend was released after being held for five days, and she feels like she was racially targeted for being at the mall.

“They just basically questioned certain locations that I was in that were in wealthier neighborhoods, and questioned my finances and how I was able to afford to be in those certain areas,” Townsend said.  “Do I have to look a certain way and drive a certain car to be in these areas?”

In an email, the Sheriff’s department declined to comment on whether Townsend is still considered a suspect. 

“This is still an active investigation. We are continuing to follow up on leads as the case progresses,” the department said.

Townsend has filed lawsuits and complaints against the Sheriff’s Departments in the cities of Rolling Hills Estates and Rancho Palos Verdes. She is also demanding the release of her vehicle which is still in police custody. A hearing is scheduled for February 1.

“We’ve also recently filed a motion for the release of my client’s property,” said Townsend’s lawyer Nazareth Haysbert. “They have her vehicle, they have her cell phone.”

The stay-at-home mother of two says her arrest has affected her kids.

“They worry a lot,” said Townsend. “They worry about me. For my daughter, it’s everytime I leave the house worrying about if I’m going to come back home.”

Prior to staying at home with her children, she worked as a probation officer. She had plans to return to the workforce but now believes she will no longer be able to be hired in that field.

Townsend wants an apology for what she feels is a ruined reputation.

“I don’t exactly know where to go from here. I don’t know. All I can do is try,” said Townsend.

One man was named a “person of interest” prior to Townsend’s arrest, but was quickly let go. No other suspects have been named. The Sheriff’s Department continues to urge any witnesses to come forward.