Friday, Nov. 06, 2009

Death Row inmate competent for 2nd trial

CONWAY - A man on the state's Death Row for killing his girlfriend has been ruled competent to stand trial in a second death penalty case.

The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News reported Thursday that Judge Steven John ruled Stephen Stanko is competent to be tried in the death of 74-year-old Henry Lee Turner.

Turner was found shot to death at his home on April 8, 2005.

Stanko has been sentenced to die for killing his live-in girlfriend, Laura Ling, and assaulting a teen on the same day. Stanko is being held on Death Row in Ridgeville, with no date set for his execution.

Stanko's trial is set to begin Monday. A gag order prevents attorneys from discussing the case.

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