Conviction: Second Degree Murder
DOC#  0389109
Parole Review Date: 12-29-06
Sentence: LIFE
Has Served: 12 yrs 6 mnths to date

Crime Story
Kenneth Stephens told police that on February 1, 1994 he went to the Ace Cleaners located at 1500 N. Davidson Street and when he walked into the business there appeared to be no one inside.  He said he called out for the owner, who he knew as "Ace" and he did not get any response.  He stated that he went toward the back room of the business and before he got to the doorway that separated the front from the back he called out again for the owner. 

Stephens stated that he then peeped around the doorway and suddenly heard a gun shot and realized he was being sot at and had been shot.  He stated that he took out a handgun that he was carrying and began to fire back at the owner.  He said he "unloaded on him" and fled the scene. 

Stephens was found several blocks nearby and was severely wounded.  He told responding officers what had occurred and they went to the cleaners and found the owner dead from gunshot wounds in the rear room of the business.  Stephens was transported to the hospital.  File notes indicated that it was possible Stephens went to the business to rob the owner and was shot after a confrontation with him. 

Stephens was offered a plea of Second Degree Murder and that is what he pled to.  He was sentenced to LIFE in prison.

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