Lake Wales, Fla. (970 WFLA) - A man facing murder charges claims he shot another man to death Thanksgiving Day at the victim's request. Steven Nicholas Hunt, 38, told detectives that he shot Stephen Roberts, 45, because Roberts wanted to be put out of his misery, according to a news release from the Polk Co. Sheriff's Office.
Sheriff Grady Judd didn't buy it. "Our deputies, detectives, and crime scene investigators worked throughout the day and well into the night on this case," the release quoted Judd as saying. "We are grateful that this violent convicted felon was taken into custody swiftly and without further injury to anyone else."
According to the Sheriff's Office, Hunt's criminal history includes 16 previous felony and 10 misdemeanor charges; 7 felony and 6 misdemeanor convictions; and numerous previous arrests for: battery domestic violence, resisting arrest, burglary, larceny, grand theft of a firearm, dealing in stolen property, possession of meth, possession of marijuana. His most recent arrest was November 7, 2018, for battery domestic violence. He was released on probation November 14th.
Hunt faces charges of first degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the shooting at Roberts' home on Lake Buffum Road in Lake Wales.
Photo of Steven Nicholas Hunt courtesy of the Polk Co. Jail.