John Matthew Stephenson

Overview

John Matthew Stephenson was sentenced to death on June 17, 1997. He was on death row since 06-17-97. His date of birth was 07-31-63, and his DOC# was listed as “White Male Warrick County Superior Court Judge Edward A.” The case information indicated that each victim was then stabbed repeatedly.

The offence

Stephenson was convicted of murder on multiple counts. The conviction included burglary and theft from Southard's residence. The case summary also stated that he was convicted of the earlier Burglary and Theft from Southard's residence.

The aggravating circumstances included “3 murders (lying in wait, drive-by shooting rejected)”.

Trial

The matter was described as “Believed to be the longest and most expensive trial in Indiana history.” Jury selection began on September 24, and opening statements began on December 30. The jury returned a guilty verdict on May 8. The jury recommended death on May 20. The trial lasted 140 total trial days.

The defence was allowed 2 attorneys, 2 investigators, a paralegal, a professional photographer, a civil engineer, a forensic scientist, a jury consultant, a neuropsychologist, and a mitigation expert.

Sister Helen Prejean was flown in to testify at the sentencing hearing.

Sentencing

Stephenson was sentenced on June 17, 1997. The sentencing included “Death Sentence, Death Sentence, Death Sentence, 10 years, 1 1/2 years concurrent”.

The mitigating circumstances included: “He has shown that he could be safely imprisoned for Life Without Parole, Some multiple murderers are in the Indiana DOC and not on Death Row.”

Sentencing costs and assistance

Claims paid for 2 attorneys fees were $334,156. Paralegal fees were $57,788. Expert fees were $79,193. Investigator fees were $74,493. Miscellaneous expenses were over $10,000.

Outcome

The convictions listed were:

• Murder (3 counts)
• Burglary (B Felony)
• Theft (D Felony)

The jury recommended death on May 20, and Stephenson received three death sentences on June 17, 1997, with additional terms of 10 years and 1 1/2 years concurrent.

Other details

The case summary included the statement: “Each were then stabbed repeatedly.” It also included the note that “ClarkProsecutor.org” and “John Matthew Stephenson home last updates contact” appeared in the scraped text, which did not provide additional legal facts beyond the sentencing and trial details already included.