Stephen McDaniel Will Face Death Penalty If DA Has His Way
Stephen McDaniel is the man accused of murdering and dismembering Lauren Giddings in Macon, Georgia back in June of this year.
Giddings’ torso was found in a trash can at the apartment complex where she and the suspect both lived. The rest of her remains have not been found, even after searches of local dumps and other areas around Macon. McDaniel was arrested and charged with the murder of Giddings, as well as charges of possessing child pornography. The child pornography was found during a search of his apartment for any clues linking him to the murder of Giddings.
McDaniel’s attorney has made attempts to get a bond for his client, but has been unsuccessful. Last month, the district attorney was able to secure a grand jury indictment for the murder charge, formally charging McDaniel with first degree murder.
Announced today by district attorney Gregory Winters, he will be seeking to sentence McDaniel to death if he is convicted. A motion was filed by the district attorney today telling the court, and the defense’s counsel, that he intends to seek the death penalty.
The State will rely on the following statutory aggravating circumstance under O.C.G.A. §17-10-30:
The offense of Murder in this case was outrageously or wantonly vile, horrible, or inhuman….
The district attorney, with his filing, has requested a hearing with the judge to have his motion reviewed.
You can read the entire motion to seek the death penalty here.
