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Triple Murder Suspect Denied Bond

938 views · Published 11 October 2012 · 2:35 · Indexed 4 November 2026

Channel: WTVC NewsChannel 9 · 2012 · News & Politics

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by John Pless   Stephen Waters of Polk County said he acted in self-defense when he shot and killed three family members back on August 17.Wednesday he asked a judge to set bond so he could be released from jail while awaiting further hearings and trial.Waters, through his attorney Andrew Frieberg, maintains he was protecting his father who recently had a stroke from an attack by his cousin, aunt and uncle. It's a bloody chapter in a family feud that continues to rage in the Tumble Creek area of Copperhill.Frieberg asked sitting judge Sheridan  Randolph to set bond at 00,000 so that Waters could be released. Frieberg said arrangements have been made for Waters to stay at a family farm in Kentucky while awaiting the next court proceeding. Judge Randolph denied the request.The courtroom was filled with members of the Waters family on both sides of the feud. There were extra Polk County deputies in the courtroom to enforce heightened security measures.Stephen Waters was in arm and leg chains, wearing a grey-striped jail outfit. He appeared quiet and most times emotionless, but his distant gaze was broken a couple times when he wiped his brow of sweat. Sheriff Bill Davis appeared to have kept a cold stare fixed on Waters during much of the bond hearing.Waters family members said little before and after the bond hearing. A couple did say they were glad Stephen Waters will be kept behind bars without bond.Testimony shows Waters admitted killing his aunt Wanda, uncle Willard and cousin Doug Waters. Polk County detective Brian Fields said Waters aunt was shot through the top of her head, while the uncle was shot in the back of his head and the cousin was shot in the back and back of the head.During  defense testimony it was revealed Stephen Waters is an ordained minister, described as a God-fearing man who is honest and loyal. His pastor, Clifton Patterson, suggested Waters was overcome by demonic forces conjured up by the bitter family feud. Patterson testified "there's a monster inside us all."The family has been embroiled in a dispute dating back at least two years over a .61-acre piece of land along George Road. That's where most of the clan lives within a stone's throw of each other in houses and trailers.Testimony shows the day of the shootings Waters cousin Doug was using a tractor to grade a dirt driveway up to another family members trailer. That section is part of the disputed sliver of land. As Stephen Waters father George approached Doug to order him to stop grading a fight erupted. Waters maintains cousin Doug grabbed his fathers pistol that was strapped in a holster. At that time Doug's father and mother got into the fight. Waters maintains he shot his cousin, aunt and uncle because he feared they would get his fathers gun and start shooting. Testimony shows George Waters gun was found under Doug Waters body.Assistant District Attorney General Drew Robinson argued it could not have been self-defense because the family members were all shot from behind.Willard and Wanda Waters daughter Laura Kennedy said there is fear amongst family members if Stephen waters is released. "I'm scared to death of him, his mom and dad, they're going to kill us all." She said of the feud "it's all about jealousy, greed and hate."Stephen Waters remains in the Polk County Jail without bond while a preliminary hearing is scheduled for November 14 at 2:00 p.m.

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