Defending a Man of Capital Murder
Attorney Victor Revill recently defended a man accused of committing capital murder. This is the most serious murder charge in Alabama, and the punishments for a conviction include the death penalty or life in prison without the possibility of parole. Understanding the severe consequences of a guilty verdict and having listened to his client’s side of the story, Mr. Revill explored every legal avenue and fought hard throughout the case to protect his client’s rights. In October of 2019, a jury found the man, 21-year-old Stacy Gordon Jr., not guilty of the charges.
The Facts of the Incident
In November of 2017, Gordon was walking home when a man, who later turned out to be 53-year-old M. Stepp, passed him three times in a car. Stepp asked Gordon if he needed help and gave the younger man his phone number. When Stepp approached later, Gordon believed him to be someone who was truly trying to help and accepted his offer of a drive home.
During the car ride, Gordon realized that Stepp was not driving toward his house and asked where they were going. Stepp said he was taking Gordon somewhere they could have sex. When Gordon asked to be let out of the vehicle, Stepp appeared to pull over, but then started reaching for something that Gordon believed to be a weapon. Fearing for his life, Gordon pulled out his gun and shot Stepp.
Mr. Revill told AL.com that his client’s actions were courageous. He said that when Gordon defended himself against Stepp, he saved not only his own life but also the lives of other young men who could have been victims of Stepp.
Stand Your Ground Defense
In 2006, Alabama enacted a “Stand Your Ground” law that states a person can use deadly force if they are protecting themselves against someone who is about to use deadly force on them. The victim of the attack does not have an obligation to retreat before defending themselves; however, they can’t be the aggressor or engaged in criminal activity at the time of the incident.
During Gordon’s trial, Mr. Revill stated that his client was acting in self-defense when he shot Stepp. The older man was taking Gordon somewhere he didn’t want to go and appeared to be about to use force against him.
At a hearing in 2018, retired police lieutenant Dennis Robertson stated that Stepp had been involved in a “predator sex ring,” which he believed had existed for decades. The man and five others would lure young boys to a house in Alabama and coerce them to engage in sexual acts in exchange for things such as drugs and/or money. For his part in the ring, Stepp pleaded guilty to sodomy charges.
For Legal Representation Contact Revill Law Firm
If you’re facing charges for a violent offense in Birmingham, reach out to our skilled team today. Backed by extensive legal experience and a track record of obtaining successful results for past clients, we know how to fight these types of allegations.
We’re ready to get started on your case. For a free consultation, call us at (205) 928-6544 or contact us online.