Sexton Charged With Second Degree Murder
In Letner Shooting
Huntsville, TN (2011-10-03) A man being held by authorities on weapon and drug violations has been charged with second degree murder in the death of a Cherry Fork man.
Steven
Christopher Sexton, 52, of Pine Knot, KY has been arrested and charged with
second degree murder in connection with the shooting death of Robert W. Letner, 57, of Oneida.
Last Thursday, Letner was reportedly shot
inside his brother’s home, located at
According to a warrant filed by Detective Tommy Silcox of the Scott County Sheriff’s Department, Sexton allegedly fired the handgun that shot Letner, striking him in the forehead. Letner died at the scene. Letner’s brother, identified as Raymond Letner, was also injured in the altercation, allegedly suffering lacerations, bruising and swelling at the hands of Sexton, who allegedly used a firearm in the commission of the assault.
Following an investigation by Detective Silcox and Agent Steve Vinsant of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Sexton was charged with second degree murder in connection with Letner’s death. He was also charged with especially aggravated burglary and aggravated assault.
In
a separate warrant on weapons and drug charges, Deputy Keith Hawkins, who was
one of the first officers on the scene, stated that Sexton was found by first
responders on the front porch of the home.
Sexton, stated the warrant, was pacing back and forth on the porch of
the residence with a gun. After Deputy
Dennis Chambers detained Sexton for questioning, Deputy Hawkins reportedly
found Raymond Letner on the side of the
Inside the home, authorities allegedly found Robert Letner’s body.
While
restrained in the back of Deputy Chambers’ patrol car, authorities claim Sexton
attempted to kick out the windows.
Sexton was transported from the scene to the
After restraining him, authorities searched his person, allegedly finding two Xanax pills and $1000 in cash.
As result, Sexton was charged with possession of a schedule IV controlled substance and resisting arrest. Because he allegedly possessed a gun at the crime scene, authorities also charged him with unlawful possession of a firearm, as Sexton has previously been convicted of a felony involving the use or attempted use of a fireman and had been convicted of a misdemeanor count of domestic violence.
On Monday, Sexton, clad in an orange jail jumpsuit and shackled in hand and leg restraints, appeared before Scott County General Sessions Court Judge James L. (Jamie) Cotton, Jr. During the brief five minute arraignment, Judge Cotton entered a not guilty plea on all charges on his behalf. Cotton, finding Sexton indigent, also appointed Dale Potter from the Public Defender’s office to represent him.
Judge Cotton set Sexton’s bail at $500,000; however, Assistant District Attorney General Tom Barclay stated Sexton would be ineligible for release, as he was also being held on a violation of a suspended sentence from Scott County Criminal Court.
A
preliminary hearing for Sexton was tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October
5, 2011 at 4:00 p.m. at the