On Christmas day, December 25th of 2006 Leonard, who sometimes spelled his name Lennid, rented a 2005 Chrysler Crossfire convertible at the Tampa International Airport.

In most of what I could compile via a few outlets Mr. Leonard Taku was a teacher at Marlow Academy in Ramsgate England. He had flown to the United States, Florida in particular to possible meet someone he’d met online. Leonard was openly gay and used dating websites to meet people.

He also planned to visit Statesville North Carolina during this vacation to meet friends that he’d taught with there from 2003-2006 but he never arrived. It is believed the last person to report physically seeing him was the rental car agent at the Tampa Airport. He was due to fly back to the UK on January 3rd 2007.

Leonard was originally from New Zealand where some of his siblings still reside. He was initially reported missing by his friends in the UK when he did not return from his vacation to Florida.

On December 26th, the day after he rented the car his credit card made a purchase at the Gap clothing store in Altamonte Springs Florida. His family does believe he himself made this 46 dollar purchase as he reportedly really liked Gap clothing. Then around December 28th someone checked his email.

Then in mid January of 2007 well after he was supposed to have flown back to the UK his credit card was used again to purchase a hotel room at what was described as a “luxury hotel” in Orlando. His family does not believe he made this room purchase as he was more likely to be more frugal at where he chose to stay. (Something cheaper quite frankly.)

On February 9th 2007 The Department Of Agricultural was preforming a controlled burn near Lake George Wilderness in the Ocala National Forrest. Here they discovered Leonard’s rental car. It was not completely destroyed by the fire but reports state this burn possibly burned up a crime scene and further evidence as to what happened to the driver, Mr Taku.They found no evidence of him on scene.

Leonard has had no contact with his family and loved ones since December of 2006 when he flew to the US to an unknown fate.

His family strongly believes that foul play is involved in his disappearance and are still seeking information to the whereabouts of their loved one. If you have any information that can assist in this case please contact the Altamonte Springs Police Department at 407-571-8276

https://charleyproject.org/case/leonard-taku

https://www.pridenz.com/gaynz/4303.html

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/no-leads-yet-on-nz-man-missing-in-florida/VBAMFHDW55JA7TYUMZF5HZP7SI/