Police find suspect Steven Stephens in Facebook Live homicide dead in Erie PA

[cnmccarthy]

I think it's safe to say he wasn't going to be taken alive. It was just a matter of how long. This guy knew from the second he gunned down a helpless stranger his life was over. Perhaps he wanted that extra push to end his own life. His life was in disarray, but nothing that couldn't be fixed. He choose a really selfish and senseless way to really drive himself to the point of no return.

He messed up big time and knew he was running out of options, even if he had the ingenuity and skills to evade police - I doubt many contacts would be willing to help him hide out. Many people may have tried to prolong the chase, but his time was clearly up.

It's sad these days how many troubled people wish to end their own lives by killing others. Like they need justification to take their own life. In turn, instead of having a basic case of suicide the person is forever vilified as a killer, effectively ruining many lives.

Ultimately this country really needs to focus on better mental health services. Not everyone has a huge, stable family that will offer all the support needed to prevent stuff like this. Part of the problem is our health care system - easier access to facilities is a must at this point.

Amen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[kaen]

From the reports I've seen it sounds like they were on Buffalo Rd. waiting for him to pull out of the McDonalds. Or, they were pulling up to it just as he was leaving the drive-thru. The workers stated he made a Right out of the parking lot and as soon as he did LE went by with lights on.

~

Amazing that the state police were in the area and were able to get to the location so fast. He was right---he had no time to wait for the fries.

 

[Tricia]

Getting ready for the live show with Dr. Peter Langman. Dr. Langman knows his stuff and will try and help us understand all this craziness.

Show starts at 8 PM EASTERN

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/websleuths/2017/04/19/websleuths-radio-the-facebook-murder

 

[Guinevere]

Amazing that the state police were in the area and were able to get to the location so fast. He was right---he had no time to wait for the fries.

Something I read or heard today said the Police station is less than two miles from the McDonalds. So :copcar:they were close and acted quickly.

And...... according to Google Maps he was less than 3000ft away from the Police Department. :facepalm: I wonder if he drove by it on his way to get food? He drove towards it after pulling out of the resturant.

~

 

[Lmustang89]

Marking my radio to listen to Tricia's True Crime Radio tonight, who will have a renown author and expert on shootings/school shootings. Will find post and bump.

Link (also on WS home page):
(Tonight 8:00 PM Eastern on Websleuths Radio)
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/websleuths/2017/04/19/websleuths-radio-the-facebook-murder

ETA: Info about tonight's guest:
https://schoolshooters.info/about-dr-langman

"About Dr. Langman

Peter Langman, Ph.D., is a sought-after expert on the psychology of school shooters. He conducts trainings on understanding the psychology of school shooters and identifying potential school shooters for professionals in mental health, education, and law enforcement. He has spoken at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA, been hired by Homeland Security to train professionals in the United States, and been recruited by the State Department to speak to international audiences.

Dr. Langman served on Pennsylvania’s Joint State Government Commission’s Advisory Committee on Violence Prevention. In the wake of the Sandy Hook attack, his recommendations on preventing school shootings were presented by the CEO of the American Psychological Association to President Obama. His research on school shooters has been cited in congressional testimony on Capitol Hill.

Dr. Langman’s new book, School Shooters: Understanding High School, College, and Adult Perpetrators, was published in January 2015. His previous book, Why Kids Kill: Inside the Minds of School Shooters, was named an Outstanding Academic Title of 2009 by the American Library Association. It has been translated into German, Finnish, and Dutch.

Dr. Langman has been interviewed over three hundred times by media outlets in the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, South America, Asia, and the Middle East. He has appeared on The Today Show, 20/20, CBS, CNN, ABC, MSNBC, NPR, Fox, and the BBC. His research on school shooters has been featured in articles carried by The New York Times, Newsweek, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, Forbes, USA Today, Christian Science Monitor, Yahoo News, and thousands of other news outlets.

Dr. Langman writes a blog for Psychology Today. In 2008, Dr. Langman received the Psychology in the Media Award from the Pennsylvania Psychological Association for his work on educating the public about school shooters and school safety. In 2012, he was given the Sally K. Lenhardt Professional Leadership Award by Lesley University for his research and work on preventing school shootings. In 2016, he was the recipient of the Innovation in Research and Publication Award from the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association for his article “Multi-Victim School Shootings in the United States: A 50-Year Review.”

In addition to his research on school shootings, Dr. Langman is president of the Greater Lehigh Valley chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and served three years on the board of the Lehigh Valley chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). He serves on the editorial board for the Journal of Campus Behavioral Intervention and on the advisory board of the National Behavioral Intervention Team Association (NaBITA).

Dr. Langman received his B.A. in psychology from Clark University, his M.A. in counseling psychology from Lesley College, and his Ph.D. in counseling psychology from Lehigh University.

Dr. Langman’s first book, Jewish Issues in Multiculturalism, was hailed as “a landmark contribution” to multicultural studies. In addition to being a psychologist, Dr. Langman is a poet and playwright. View information about his plays. View his poetry book,The Last Days of John Keats and Other Poems."

Off topic but I would like to know why the schools (at least the ones by me) don't have drills for this kind of a situation (my youngest son is in 8th grade)but they have tornado drills. My oldest son, who is a sergeant in New Mexico wondered that too.

 

[SeesSeas]

Hoping Mr. Godwin was at the Pearly Gates when Stevens arrived and directed him down below!!!

Based on what we’ve learned about Mr Godwin from his forgiving family, I believe Robert Godwin humbly and mercifully welcomed Steve Stephens into the Pearly Gates today.

 

[Whiteorchids]

Very good presser. PA state police major said they hadn't received info from Cleveland that Stephens phone pinged in the area, but they were already following news and social media so were on high alert. They knew Stephens had come to Erie, to the casino there, so they were all watching carefully - state and local LE.

He also said their SHP posts in the area had received numerous tips about possible sightings over the last couple days and followed up on all of them. When the McDonalds employee called, they responded quickly. Had 4 state patrol cars and one local police car.

Autopsy will be done tomorrow. Right now they have a search warrant on the car and contents and will do a thorough investigation.
They will also go back and investigate to see if Stephens was in the area today or yesterday. They'll go back and review again all the other tips they received from people who thought they saw Stephens. Will try to figure out where he was, said there are a lot of places to hide around Erie area.

He also had high praise for the McD employee who called in the tip and all the other members of the public who called in tips. He says police really need the public's help in these cases and it worked very well this time. He was extremely grateful to the McD employee - but right now are not saying it's a McD employee nor are they giving out their name.

He also said the state patrol cars had video recording of the stop/apprehension, so that will also be reviewed. They usually don't make those videos available to the public.

But yeah, they had been on high alert up there. They work a lot with Cleveland PD and figured out there was a good chance he would come that way.

Hmmm Cleveland never reported the ping? Thats bizarre.

 

[flourish]

Off topic but I would like to know why the schools (at least the ones by me) don't have drills for this kind of a situation (my youngest son is in 8th grade)but they have tornado drills. My oldest son, who is a sergeant in New Mexico wondered that too.

I taught preschool for many years and we started doing "lock down" drills in the early 2000's, but it was sporadic until Sandy Hook. Then it was standardized amongst the preschool program classrooms. We had to explain we were practicing in case an "unsafe person" came to the school. Some of the children understood all too well already (domestic violence etc).

It really should be required for schools. I suppose one could call their local district office for more information and to encourage them to put it in place if not already.

 

[1&2&3]

I taught preschool for many years and we started doing "lock down" drills in the early 2000's, but it was sporadic until Sandy Hook. Then it was standardized amongst the preschool program classrooms. We had to explain we were practicing in case an "unsafe person" came to the school. Some of the children understood all too well already (domestic violence etc).

It really should be required for schools. I suppose one could call their local district office for more information and to encourage them to put it in place if not already.

I agree 100%! Children need to be taught about Stranger Danger as I believe it is called today. Three year olds are able to understand what it is.

It would be much easier to have these drills, as they do fire drills, when everything is calm, instead of trying to get a classroom to quietly, quickly respond in an emergency situation. The old Girl Scout motto "Be Prepared".

 

[beach]

Interview with Godwin's family in Alabama. [emoji22]

http://m.wsfa.com/wsfa/db_330846/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=mntwvaYN

 

[1&2&3]

Are these rewards ever paid out? Or, are they worded to all but guarantee they will not be paid?

IIRC this reward was for the arrest of Steve Stephans. With the experience of the group offering this reward, don't you expect they knew he would likely never be taken alive or arrested? He would likely kill himself or be shot by police?

Therefore, no arrest which means no reward paid. I certainly pray I am 3000% wrong because had it not been for these alert McDonald employees, this guy might still be on the run.

 

[Hatfield]

I honestly feel bad for all of the families involved. His ex, his family, too. No doubt they are suffering. And his child(ren)? OMG. What a nightmare.

Sent from my SM-G928T using Tapatalk

Catching up and glad its over.

I too feel bad for all involved. The Godwin family response has allowed me to feel sorry for him and his family too in addition to feeling terrible for the Godwin family.

It was an awful murder and I have to believe that mental issues contributed to what happened. Sad for all involved.

I also have to admit I was totally wrong thinking that he would never kill himself. It just goes to show that when people get really desparate then it is really hard to predict future actions.

I do hope a more thorough search of some of the buildings and empty homes he mentioned will take place. I am not convinced that was his only victim. When the killer is telling us he killed more people then we need to take him seriously and really go over things with a fine tooth comb.

Prayers for all family members affected.

 

[Guinevere]

Cleveland Police - Homicide Investigation/Steve Stephens/Facebook Incident Final Update

[FONT=&amp]Homicide Investigation, Steve Stephens/Facebook Incident Final Update
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]The City of Cleveland offers condolences to all affected by the death of Robert Godwin, Sr. The days and weeks moving forward will be difficult for them. As services are planned and attended, the City of Cleveland asks that the community and the media be respectful of the privacy of those affected.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Today at approximately 11am, Cleveland Division of Police Command was notified that Pennsylvania State Police had, through a tip from a citizen, located the suspect vehicle wanted in the homicide of Robert Godwin, Sr. Pennsylvania State Police, in marked patrol vehicles, attempted to stop the vehicle. The suspect fled in the white Ford Fusion and, after a short pursuit, the suspect took his own life. No injuries to members of the community or to law enforcement were reported. The suspect, Steve Stephens was pronounced deceased on scene.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Please see update from Pennsylvania State Police here. Requests for information directly relating to the incident involving the Pennsylvania State Police should be directed to the Pennsylvania State Police.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]This investigation remains in the early stages. Reward monies in this case were offered through Crime Stoppers. The City of Cleveland and the Cleveland Division of Police are not involved in any reward monies that may be paid to individuals who provided the tips leading to the suspect’s location.[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]On Sunday, April 16, 2017 at approximately 2pm, officers of the Cleveland Division of Police responded to East 93rd Street for a male shot. Mr. Godwin was found deceased with a gunshot wound to his head. Further information to officers revealed that the incident was posted to social media via Facebook Live. Facebook later released a statement clarifying that this information had been pre-recorded and uploaded to Facebook, but that the suspect had streamed a confession on Facebook Live.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Officers immediately began a search for this suspect upon learning his identity. The Cleveland Division of Police quickly partnered with outside law enforcement agencies including the FBI in the effort to locate the suspect. Media and social media releases were composed and tips began to pour into the Communications Control Center. The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was activated where law enforcement activity, tips and strategies could be monitored and discussed. The EOC was staffed by members of the Cleveland Division of Police, the City of Cleveland Office of Emergency Management and supporting law enforcement agencies.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]Through investigative tactics, it was learned that Steve Stephens may be in the Erie, PA area on Sunday afternoon around 4:30pm. Law enforcement was contacted and dispatched to the area with negative results. Beyond that initial information, law enforcement did not receive any additional tips leading to the area of Erie, PA until the tip that was provided this morning ultimately leading to Steve Stephens’ location.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]The search for Stephens quickly went from a local investigation to a nationwide manhunt. Due to the spread of the shocking video of the murder on social media, people across the nation were subjected to the violence and became afraid. Tips continued to pour in from the community to be vetted and investigated. Through the establishment of a Joint Information Center in the EOC, our public information team worked to provide consistent, transparent information and dispel rumors both in written updates and regular on camera press briefings.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]At this time, the City of Cleveland would like to thank the assisting law enforcement agencies for their unwavering support. Thanks to the Cleveland office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Cuyahoga County Sherriff’s Office; the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Police; the Ohio State Highway Patrol; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Fire Arms; the United States Marshals Service; and additional law enforcement agencies across the U.S., including the Pennsylvania State Police.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]In addition, the City of Cleveland thanks the public for their vigilance and dedication to remaining informed and reporting tips regarding this investigation. Citizens are the eyes and ears of law enforcement and many cases would go unsolved if not for the public.
[/FONT]
[FONT=&amp]The City of Cleveland’s Joint Information Center will deactivate today at 5 pm. Further questions regarding the investigation can be addressed with Sgt. Ciaccia.[/FONT]

https://clevelandpolice.wordpress.c...steve-stephensfacebook-incident-final-update/

~

 

[Guinevere]

Are these rewards ever paid out? Or, are they worded to all but guarantee they will not be paid?

IIRC this reward was for the arrest of Steve Stephans. With the experience of the group offering this reward, don't you expect they knew he would likely never be taken alive or arrested? He would likely kill himself or be shot by police?

Therefore, no arrest which means no reward paid. I certainly pray I am 3000% wrong because had it not been for these alert McDonald employees, this guy might still be on the run.

Or another he may have taken another life before they caught up with him.

~

 

[mpnola]

I am so proud of those quick thinking McDs employees!! They recognized him, tried to keep him longer by telling him part of his order wasn't ready and called the police. All while their hearts must have been pounding out their chests! Good job!!

I also think it is highly likely he actually killed before. I wonder if we have anyone MISSING from those areas, rather than buried at those areas. He did seem to kind of mention casually about that he lost track of his past ones, but he was going to keep track today. I hope I am wrong about that. I think he is capable. His friends must be heartbroken, knowing that they were deceived by someone they thought they knew.

Glad he's gone and glad no police officer has to live with the duty of having to shoot him. For multiple reasons!

 

[Guinevere]

[h=1]Facebook murderer Steve Stephens kills himself after McDonald's visit and police pursuit in Pennsylvania[/h][FONT=&quot]He ordered 20 McNuggets to go — and then took himself out.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Facebook killer Steve Stephens, outed by a fast-thinking fast-food worker, ended his life and a massive three-day manhunt Tuesday by pumping a bullet into his head as Pennsylvania state troopers closed in.

.......

Lane met with the victim’s family on Tuesday morning.

......

Haymon, 44, told the Daily News that her father’s funeral was set for Saturday.

........

Yet authorities wouldn’t say if anyone was in line for the promised $50,000 reward in the case.

.......

An autopsy was planned for Wednesday on the body of Stephens, who had no past criminal record.

........

The killer’s mother, Maggie Green, said he stopped by her home to say goodbye on the Saturday before the slaying.

.....

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/facebook-killer-steve-stephens-found dead-pennsylvania-article-1.3069497

BBM

~[/FONT]

 

[NewMama]

Off topic but I would like to know why the schools (at least the ones by me) don't have drills for this kind of a situation (my youngest son is in 8th grade)but they have tornado drills. My oldest son, who is a sergeant in New Mexico wondered that too.

A few weeks ago, police were looking for two armed assault suspects believed to be on foot in our neighborhood. I received a message from our daughter's elementary school that they were on "lockout" mode. A community FB page posted that "lockout" and "lockdown" were different. During "lockout" everyone is brought back inside and the outside perimeter doors are locked. Classroom activities continue as normal. During "lockdown" classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off and children are moved away from windows and encouraged to be silent. Outside doors are not locked as to not put those at risk while locking the doors and also to not inhibit LE or other responders from accessing the school.

My daughter was unaware that the school was on "lockout" mode.

Anywho, just something new I learned a few weeks ago and thought I'd share.

 

[Guinevere]

[h=1]Video of Joy Lane Meeting Godwin Family & Interview at link below.
Former girlfriend of Facebook murder suspect talks exclusively with FOX 8, meets with victim’s family[/h]POSTED 3:05 PM, APRIL 18, 2017, BY PEGGY GALLEK, UPDATED AT 03:06PM, APRIL 18, 2017

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- For the first time since police say her former boyfriend, Steve Stephens, murdered an elderly man and then posted the video on Facebook, Joy Lane spoke to FOX 8 on Tuesday.
Lane spoke about the ordeal and what her life has been like for the past 48 hours.
“The hashtags Joy Lane, Joy Lane massacre, I don’t even know who Joy Lane is anymore, or how to pick up all the pieces of my world at this moment,” Lane said. “I’ve got a lot of negative comments. Some even said he should have killed me.”

.....

http://fox8.com/2017/04/18/exclusiv...t-talks-with-fox-8-meets-with-victims-family/

 

[mpnola]

A few weeks ago, police were looking for two armed assault suspects believed to be on foot in our neighborhood. I received a message from our daughter's elementary school that they were on "lockout" mode. A community FB page posted that "lockout" and "lockdown" were different. During "lockout" everyone is brought back inside and the outside perimeter doors are locked. Classroom activities continue as normal. During "lockdown" classroom doors are locked, lights are turned off and children are moved away from windows and encouraged to be silent. Outside doors are not locked as to not put those at risk while locking the doors and also to not inhibit LE or other responders from accessing the school.

My daughter was unaware that the school was on "lockout" mode.

Anywho, just something new I learned a few weeks ago and thought I'd share.

I (personally) can't stand the lockdown drills. My son was in PreK3 and had to stay in the bathroom with the lights off and in silence for over 20 minutes. The teachers quietly whispered songs to them and there were 22 kids piled into the bathroom (a SMALL bathroom, not a big school stall kind). He could not stop thinking about how scary it was for weeks. And he started to hate the song the were trying to soothe them with that ended up being a creepy backdrop. They had to remain quiet, even if someone beat on the door, until someone gave a safe word. That's too much for littles to handle! In all honesty, if they could do it on the drill with some prior verbal instruction, then they could do it in life, with prior verbal instruction. I don't see a need to lock young children in closets for the sake of a drill. That's just my opinion. I also homeschool now and could not be happier that I do not have to worry about locking him in a bathroom with 20 other kids while whispering a song or deciding whether he needs to go to school and take a test or stay home and be safe from a tornado warning threat. Not fun decisions we have to make with our kids.

 

[Betty P]

When did LE first lay eyes on him? Was he on the street already or still in the McD's parking log? Thank goodness the McD employee was alert.

They saw him pulling out of McD's as they were driving there in response to the 911 call from the workers there. You can find more info upthread in the video of the press conference this afternoon with Erie PD & PA state police. They had been on alert since the shooting in Cleveland. They checked his social media, saw that he spent some time gambling in Erie, PA, so decided to watch for him. They received quite a few tips from local citizens since Sunday and decided to respond immediately to all of them, just in case. Good police work. Seems they had a strong hunch he would come up their way.