Conviction: Second-Degree Murder and Robbery
DOC#  0389280
Parole Review Date: 10-28-06
Sentence: LIFE
Has Served: 14 yrs 8 mnths to date

Crime Story
On the evening of July 23, 1991 the victim picked up Thomas Stephenson at an unknown location in Charlotte.  Stephenson told the victim that he had no place but the men's shelter to stay and the victim offered him the opportunity to stay at his home.  Stephenson agreed to come back to the victim's home.  Once they arrived, the victim offered Stephenson several beers and then made sexual advances toward Stephenson. 

Stephenson told investigators that he became angry and choked the victim with a belt in his bedroom and then stabbed him several times in the chest wit a knife he retrieved from the kitchen. 

Stephenson then burglarized the residence and removed electronic items as well as the victim's wallet and credit cards.  Stephenson also took the victim's vehicle.  Stephenson was apprehended after he made several purchases with the victim's credit cards and was identified by witnesses from a photo line up. 

Stephenson confessed to the police investigators and pled guilty to Second Degree Murder and Robbery.  He was sentenced to LIFE in prison.