Conviction and Life Sentence for Baby Murderer Upheld
Roy and Ruby Stephens traveled from Indiana to Florida with their family, including a 22-day old infant. Upon their arrival in Lakeland, authorities discovered that the baby had died as a result of starvation. Both Roy and Ruby Stephens were convicted of first-degree murder of the baby and sentenced to life in prison. Roy Stephens recently appealed his conviction, citing what he claimed was newly discovered evidence. Last week, the appellate court affirmed his conviction. He will remain in prison for the rest of his life.
Julio Don Juan, 36, was found guilty by a Polk County Jury in December, of two counts of trafficking in heroin and conspiracy to traffic heroin. The street value of the heroin involved in this case exceeded tens of thousands of dollars. Julio admitted to arranging the drop off of 1 kilogram of heroin on two separate occasions. Circuit Judge Larry Helms sentenced the defendant on January 5th to 50 years in the state prison. State Attorney Brian Haas is thankful for the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and ASA Timothy Coleman for securing this conviction and making our community a safer place to live.
Tyrell Ricardo Alford was found guilty and sentenced to life in prison on April 13, 2019, for Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree, Tampering with Physical Evidence, and Possession of Ammunition by a Convicted Felon. On June 3, 2020, the Second District Court of Appeals mandated Alford to receive a new trial. Alfred was again found guilty and sentenced to life in prison on December 9, 2021. Alford brutally stabbed a fifty-year-old women, over fourteen times, and tried covering up the scene by burning his clothes and phone in a barbecue grill. The victim of this brutal attack thankfully survived, although scarred for life. State Attorney Brain Haas thanked the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Assistant State Attorney Steve Alamia for their perseverance in prosecuting this case.
