WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Jury begins sentencing deliberations in Stanko trial

Jury begins sentencing deliberations in Stanko trial

CONWAY, SC (WMBF) - A jury has entered sentencing deliberations in the trial of a man found guilty of murdering a 74-year-old Conway resident in 2005.

A jury found Stephen Stanko guilty of murder Monday in the death of Henry Lee Turner after the defense failed to convince them he was insane. Stanko's attorneys claimed he has a defect in his frontal lobe that prevents him from knowing right from wrong.

On Thursday, the defense had the chance to call forward a number of character witnesses who testified about Stanko's family background, behavior growing up and his behavior while serving time in prison.

A social worker testified before the court that Stanko came from a home where she says he never felt safe. The social worker further explained to the jury with pictures that drug and alcohol abuse among his family members could have impacted his behavior.

However, during closing arguments, the solicitor's office argued there was absolutely no excuse for the grown man's actions. Solicitor Greg Hembree referred to the defendant as "evil" and said he had given up his right to live.

In his defense, Stanko was apologetic in an address geared towards Turner's family for the grief he has put them through.

Stanko is currently serving a death sentence for killing his live-in girlfriend, Laura Ling, and raping her daughter the same year.

Hembree and prosecutors are seeking a second death sentence against Stanko in the death of Turner. Should the jury not reach an unanimous decision on Stanko's sentencing, he will receive a second life term.

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