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Stevenson guilty in father's death
Published on -8/14/2009, 12:02 AM
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WaKEENEY — After deliberating for nearly four hours Friday, a Gove County jury convicted David A. Stevenson of first-degree murder in connection with the death of his father.
Stevenson exhibited little emotion as the verdict was read, and individual jurors polled, other than to stare down at the table that he has been seated at for the last two weeks. Stevenson was convicted for the March 13, 2008, murder of his 85-year-old father, Walter A. Stevenson.
The solemn six-man, six-woman jury returned to the Trego County Courtroom after announcing that it had reached a verdict. Five law enforcement officers took up strategic positions in the courtroom to ensure nothing got out of hand when the jury’s decision was announced.
There was little reaction from the almost 30 people in the courtroom, many of them family and friends. David Stevenson’s daughter and his ex-wife, those closest to him, rushed from the courtroom shortly after the verdict was announced.
“Disappointed,” defense attorney Paul Oller said as he prepared to leave the courtroom.
Assistant Attorney General Steven Karrer, who was the lead prosecutor in the case, was obviously pleased with the verdict and instead expressed his appreciation to law enforcement agencies involved in the case.
“Justice was served,” he said.
With its verdict, the jury determined that Walter Stevenson died after he was struck several times in the back of the head and then was placed under the bed of a grain truck in a shop on the farm he and his wife, Bonny, owned in western Gove County.
District Coroner Lyle Noordhoek had determined that Walter Stevenson’s immediate cause of death was a result of the grain truck, but he said the head injuries prior to that eventually would have resulted in his death. As a result, he determined the death was a homicide.
Because Karrer is based in Topeka, District Judge Ed Bouker said sentencing would be scheduled later.
See Sunday's HDN for more details.
15 comment(s) found
MURDER:
8/16/2009If you weren't there for 2 weeks you have no idea. The a mount of eveidence was unreal and anyone who was raised on a farm could have figured it out it just didn't fit as an accident. Walter rest in peace.
(Posted by: unknown)
Stevenson: 8/16/2009
One more dangerous registered offender off the streets.
(Posted by: More to story)
guilty verdict: 8/15/2009
from afar, I have been reading about the Stevenson murder trail. I have known David and met his family. I was extremely saddened by the horrific act that ended Walter's life. He was such a sweet man, he did not deserve this. I just hope the family members can mend their torn hearts.
(Posted by: C)
GUILTY VERDICT: 8/15/2009
Jeremy and Brian, apparently you don't know David nearly as well as you think you do. I've known him for over fifty years and believe him fully capable of manipulation, cover-up, lying, and murder. Unfortunately, the reporting in the HDN as been slanted on a daily basis regarding this trial which has given the reader a distorted view of courtroom evidence. Unless you were personally present for the entire trial and could see and hear for yourself ALL the evidence presented, you may have some doubt as to his innocence or guilt. I suggest you speak with those who were there and know him much better than you before you pass judgment.
(Posted by: I Was There)
Stevenson: 8/15/2009
I think unless you were on the Jury you don't have all the facts of the case and all the evidence presented. I am glad I wasn't setting on the jury.. Thanks to the Jury members for doing your CIVIC DUTY!
(Posted by: )
Justice served: 8/15/2009
Evidence pointed at Stevenson. Stevenson knew he was guilty (little reaction to the reading of the verdict). He tried to cover up evidence. Spraypainting over blood and kicking dirt over blood? Guilty wrote all over it...
(Posted by: noname)
Justice: 8/15/2009
What a great job by the prosecuter.
(Posted by: Ednia)
Stevenson: 8/15/2009
I personally was not shocked at the conviction. I have known David since the 7th grade in school. I was one of his friends. I observed some of his questionable land deals in the 70's. When he had a brokerage office, he traded my account without my permission and ran up over $60,000 in debt. I have observed his temper first hand on several occasions. As stated earlier, I was not shocked at the verdict. Did he do it? I am not sure, but in the heat of a moment he was definatly capable of it.
(Posted by: Andrew)
stevenson: 8/14/2009
Where were you at Jeremy? There was alot of evidence that pointed at David. His comment to the bank teller he said this was going to get ugly, he was asking the doctors office for walters medical records saying he had power of attourney when infact he did not. his dad was trying to get a restraining order against him, he was having his mother who has alzheimers taking advantage of her, he changed his statements to the KBI 3 times. He lived there at the farm so who is brave enough to go into that farm during the day and stage that crime when David comes and goes anytime. Why didn't David just call his dad when he thought he was missing? And then when he does find him he calls his son-in law and talks for 5 minutes instead of calling 911!
(Posted by: unknown)
murder: 8/14/2009
its just sad that a man died. for nothing but anger. truely sad.
(Posted by: rouse)
NO WAY: 8/14/2009
I really agree with you Jeremy...I knew Dave for the last 10 yrs. personally, I strongly believe he didn't do it. I'm sure if it was checked out further to the ones who didn't like Dave, one of them done it to frame Dave...It's happened before..
(Posted by: brian)
NO WAY: 8/14/2009
I agree with you Jeremy...I've known Dave for over 10 yrs. and I know he didn't do it, alot of guys who didn't like him, did the crime and Dave took the rap for it..
(Posted by: brian)
stevenson: 8/14/2009
Trust me i was there for two weeks and it dod nothing but point at him
(Posted by: not givin)
: 8/14/2009
From everything presented here at HDN the death was not such that HE committed it. Somebody did, but not David Stevenson. Wonder what evidence was there that pointed directly to him?
(Posted by: Jeremy)
MURDER: 8/14/2009
Rest in peace Walter. Justice is being served.
(Posted by: Susan)
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