Jury Delivers Verdict in Chad Stephens Murder Trial
The Summit Count Common Pleas Court jury reached a consensus after nearly five hours of deliberation.
Photos
Chad Allen Stephens, 22, of Akron, was found guilty of one count of complicity to commit murder, aggravated robbery, and complicity to commit aggravated robbery, reports the Falls News Press.
Regarding the firearm specification attached to each of those charges, the jury found Stephens did not have a gun, said Dorianne Denard, bailiff for Judge Mary Margaret Rowlands.
A Summit County Common Pleas Court jury handed down the verdict on Monday afternoon.
Jury deliberations began at 10:37 a.m. Monday morning and concluded at 2:59 p.m.
Sentencing will take place on May 30.
Stephens was charged with murder with a firearm, a special felony; aggravated robbery with a firearm, a first-degree felony; and having weapons while under disability, a third-degree felony, according to court documents.
On August 31, 2011, Slayko was discovered in the backyard of a house in the 900 block of Baughman Street in Akron with a gunshot wound to the chest.
Slayko, a U.S. Army war veteran who served in Afghanistan, was pronounced dead at age 33.
Stephens was found last September in the 3200 block of West Market Street in Fairlawn. Akron police, the U.S. Marshals Office Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and Fairlawn police assisted in the arrest.
Traci Slayko
1:42 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Kimmi, may u rest in peace now that justice has prevailed! ~ONE LOVE~ ...c u @ the gates, angel!
Our family now has some closure but please believe that both families in that courtroom lost today. I pray for Chad's family & the grief they r suffering also, specifically his mother who was extremely kind-hearted to all of us. I pray for Chad as well, that he have remorse for his actions & be delivered from evil into reform. Lastly, i am praying that God give me the strength to forgive him for taking away my EVERYTHING. I lost my entire world on August 31, 2011. I am a woman of faith & i do not doubt that someday i will find it in my heart to forgive Chad & his accomplice.
Rick Fisk
2:10 am on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
You are a fine example for us all! I am so proud of you and your heart of compassion . I am honered that you refer to me as "Dad" love you! Rick F.
vicky slayko
7:39 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
kim was my oldest son and my best friend he did everything for me two familys have been runed because of something stupid i pray for chads family but at least she can see her son i cant
THOMAS KANE
9:58 pm on Tuesday, May 15, 2012
TO VICKIE SLAYKOFAMILY;Iwas saddened to hear of this trageic news.Iknow that how he was the ''apple of your eye''.Ifelt your pain as soon as I found out.You guys have always been great too me and my kids.Iwill keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Tom Kane and family