Assassination of Leland Owlsley

The Assassination of Leland Owlsley was an attack single-handedly orchestrated and conducted by Wilson Fisk, who attacked and killed Leland Owlsley out of revenge for

Poisoning Vanessa Marianna
"I appreciate your support in the matter." "Sure, why not, we're all in this together right? What's left of us."

- Wilson Fisk and Leland Owlsley

At Wilson Fisk's Penthouse, Owlsley was informed of Nobu Yoshioka's violent death while the pair prepared for a fundraiser. Owlsley was mortified by the news, despite Fisk and James Wesley's calm reactions. Fisk ordered Owlsley speak to Madame Gao and convince her that everything was fine in their organisation. When Owlsley made a comment about Fisk's relationship with Vanessa Marianna, Fisk spoke to him about what it meant to be in love, seeing the change in Fisk caused by Marianna, Owlsley agreed to speak to Gao.

Avoiding Suspicion
"Speak with Gao, if she wasn't involved we might need her support against further unpleasantries." "And if she was involved?" "Then it's been an honour doing business with you."

- James Wesley and Leland Owlsley

Vanessa Marianna was rushed to Metro-General Hospital and Owlsley went along with her and the rest of the group, asking the doctor if he also needed to be checked out as he was holding a glass of poisoned champagne; the nurse ignored him however and continued to focus her attention on Marianna. Owlsley watched as Wilson Fisk attempted to go with her surgery but was stopped by the nurse.

While Marianna was being treated in the hospital, Owlsley spoke to James Wesley about how Fisk could run the business in his emotional condition. He claimed that whoever poisoned Marianna was likely after Fisk, not her, so they were in danger and needed proper leadership. When Wesley considered Madame Gao as a suspect, Owlsley claimed it was more likely the Hand who were responsible. They were then informed that Marianna was still alive but three others who drank the champagne were now dead. Wesley then sent Owlsley to speak to Gao for support.

Owlsley later returned to the hospital and asked about Marianna's condition; Fisk however refused to speak to him and returned to her room. Owlsley spoke instead to James Wesley and claimed Gao had only spoken Chinese and quoted a fortune cookie, but she said she would stand with Fisk. Owlsley recommended that Fisk get back to work but Wesley told him he would when he was ready, much to Owlsley's annoyance. Owlsley warned that whoever had gone after Fisk would come after him again and would likely succeed in killing him. Wesley simply told him to go home and get some rest.

Assassination
"But I'm a fair sort, that's why I'm only taking half your money. You go your way, I go mine, not exactly what I'd call win win, but it's as close as we're going to get with this. So, we on the same page?"

- Leland Owlsley to Wilson Fisk

After being called for a meeting with Wilson Fisk to discuss the final stages of his plans for New York City, Owlsley explained that all was in place except for a replacement for Madame Gao's heroin trade. Fisk asked about some irregularities in the transactions. Owlsley claimed it was all perfectly normal as money was being moved around all the time. When he tried to hand the paperwork back, Fisk noted that his hands were shaking. Seeing no other alternative, Owlsley confessed that he and Gao had tried to kill Vanessa Marianna although he denied any involvement with James Wesley's death. Owlsley calmly informed Fisk that their partnership was at an end and Fisk was to hand over half his assets to him. When Fisk asked why he should do this, Owlsley informed him that he had Carl Hoffman and Hoffman was willing to go to the police if anything happened to him. This threw Fisk into a rage and he refused the offer and hit Owlsley hard across the face. Owlsley attempted to defend himself by striking Fisk on the neck with his taser, but Fisk was so angry it seemed to only fuel his rage. Fisk threw Owlsley down an elevator shaft where he hit his head hard and was killed.