Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast
Results 1 to 10 of 43

Thread: Steven Joshua Wiggins - Tennessee Death Row

  1. #1
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    20,875

    Steven Joshua Wiggins - Tennessee Death Row








    Dickson County deputy killed in altercation, search for suspect underway


    By Chris Gadd and Natalie Neysa Alund
    The Tennessean

    Authorities are searching for a suspect who they say killed a Dickson County Sheriff's Office deputy Wednesday morning, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol spokesman.

    The Humphreys County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as Steven Wiggins, who is described as a white male with balding brown hair.

    Residents and motorists are being asked to avoid the area along Tidwell Switch near the intersection with Bear Creek Valley Road at the Dickson-Hickman county line while law enforcement search for Wiggins.

    Officials said the suspect was involved in an early morning altercation with the deputy after a vehicle was reported stolen in Kingston Springs.

    The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is en route to the scene, authorities said.

    Wiggins is considered armed and dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call law enforcement at 615-446-8041 ext. 4 or 911.

    https://www.tennessean.com/story/new...uty/654927002/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  2. #2
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    20,875
    Woman arrested for murder of Dickson County Sheriff's deputy; Manhunt for 2nd suspect underway

    By WKRN Web Staff

    DICKSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) - The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has charged a Dickson woman with murder.

    Erika Castro-Miles has been arrested and charged with first degree murder in the ongoing investigation of the murder of Dickson County deputy Sgt. Daniel Baker.

    According to TBI agents, Castro-Miles was detained in the early stages of the investigation. Authorities said they found information that she participated in the shooting.

    Castro-Miles is the woman who filed a domestic complaint against Steven Wiggins Tuesday night, leading to domestic assault warrants being issued for him.

    She told police Wiggins slapped her in the face and pulled her hair out. She also reported he put a gun to her head and told her he was "going to kill her if she called the police."

    According to a police report, Wiggins got Castro-Miles' keys and took her car without permission.

    Deputies said a call came in around 7 a.m. Wednesday morning about a "suspicious vehicle" on Sam Vineyard Road. Sgt. Daniel Baker responded to the scene.

    Baker was later found dead inside his patrol car about two or three miles away from the initial scene. The deputy's GPS system was used to locate his patrol car after there had not been any contact with him.

    "There's not much I can say today but our hearts are shattered," Sheriff Jeff Bledsoe said. "We just ask for your help."

    Bledsoe referred to Baker as "one of the best.

    "This is one of our best deputies. He's a supervisor. He's worked his way up to sergeant on patrol, and he's one of the ones who put it all on the line every day to keep our community safe. He was doing that again today with a call about a suspicious vehicle," Bledsoe said.

    "It's a very difficult day for many in law enforcement," TBI spokeswoman Susan Niland added.

    Wiggins is still at large and a manhunt is currently underway. He has been added to the TBI's top 10 most wanted list.

    It is unknown if Wiggins is still on foot or if he has gained access to a vehicle.

    http://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/...uty/1209536658
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  3. #3
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    20,875



    Suspect accused of killing Dickson County deputy in custody

    DICKSON, TN (WSMV) - Law enforcement officials have confirmed that Steven Wiggins, who is accused of killing a Dickson County deputy on Wednesday, has been taken into custody.

    According to the Hickman County Sheriff's Office, Wiggins was found on Pumpkin Branch Road.


    According to NBC News, Wiggins took Sgt. Daniel Baker’s gun and car on Wednesday morning.


    Wiggins and his girlfriend took the car and then ditched it, according to Paul McCallister, the director of the Dickson County Emergency Communications Center.

    http://www.wsmv.com/story/38306578/s...uty-in-custody
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  4. #4
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    20,875
    DA seeking death penalty against both suspects charged with murdering Tennessee deputy

    By Kaylin Jorge
    WZTV News

    DICKSON, Tenn. (WZTV) - District Attorney Ray Crouch said he will be seeking the death penalty against two suspects charged with the murder of a Tennessee deputy.

    Steven Wiggins and Erika Castro-Miles are both charged with the first-degree murder of Dickson County Deputy Sgt. Daniel Baker.

    Wiggins was captured by a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper in Hickman County Friday morning and Castro-Miles was captured shortly after the crime on Wednesday.

    Crouch said both will be held without bond and the DA's office will argue against either suspect getting bond. He will be seeking the death penalty for both suspects.

    "Based upon the evidence and aggravating factors in this case, the State will be seeking the death penalty for both defendants," Crouch said.

    The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said Baker was killed after responding to a report of a suspicious vehicle. GPS tracking technology was used to find Baker's patrol car after he had not been hear from for a period of time. Authorities found Baker dead in the vehicle.

    An affidavit said Castro-Miles watched as Wiggins shot Baker to death. She tried to flee by hiding under a house, but was spotted by the property owners and detained by police.

    http://fox17.com/news/local/da-seeki...nnessee-deputy
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  5. #5
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    20,875
    Steven Wiggins Facing Federal Charges In Deputy's Killing

    By News Channel 5 Network

    DICKSON, Tenn. - Steven Wiggins, the man accused of shooting and killing a Dickson County deputy, is also facing federal charges in the case.

    Steven Wiggins and Erika Castro-Miles have both been charged in the killing of Sgt. Daniel Baker back on May 30.

    Wiggins appeared in court Friday morning and pleaded not guilty to 12 counts, including murder, criminal impersonation, tampering with evidence and theft. Click here to read more.

    In a press conference, officials also announced federal charges in the case, including carjacking resulting in Baker's death.

    Wiggins was also charged with using, carrying and discharging a firearm during the commission of a violent crime, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, and using, carrying and discharging a firearm during a violent crime that resulted in the death of another person.

    If convicted on the federal charges, Wiggins faces up to life in prison and is eligible for the death penalty.

    Sgt. Baker was killed after responding to a call about a suspicious vehicle. His body was found inside his patrol car.

    Indictments revealed that after the shooting, Wiggins allegedly tried to destroy and conceal evidence by setting Sgt. Baker’s car on fire.

    He was charged with criminal impersonation for using Baker’s phone after his death. He’s also accused of using deadly force with Baker’s handgun and facing an additional violation of probation charge.

    According to a criminal complaint, Sgt. Baker's body camera was rolling when he arrived at Sam Vineyard Road and Tidwell Switch Road.

    After Baker approached the car, Wiggins told him he had a flat tire. Castro-Miles was reportedly in the passenger seat.

    Baker asked for Wiggins' ID, to which the suspect provided his social security number. Sgt. Baker determined that the vehicle had been stolen and asked both to get out of the car.

    Wiggins claimed that his door was stuck, so Baker told him to exit from the passenger side. Baker walked around the back of the car, at which point Wiggins allegedly opened fire.

    Baker's body camera revealed that the suspect fired at least five shots, one of which struck the deputy as he was trying to take cover. While he was lying on the ground, authorities said Wiggins shot Baker five more times.

    An autopsy revealed Baker suffered six gunshot wounds -- two to his torso, one to his hand, and three to the left side of his head.

    Wiggins then allegedly placed Baker's body in his patrol car, drove it away from the scene and set it on fire.

    A two-day manhunt ensued before Wiggins was eventually taken into custody. At the time of his capture, Wiggins' backpack allegedly contained a .45 caliber pistol and a Glock pistol.

    A trial date has been set for August 2019. A status hearing was scheduled for August 6.

    Castro-Miles was also indicted on a murder charge. She, too, entered a plea of not guilty and was assigned to a public defender.

    Her trial was set for August 19. She will be tried with Wiggins.

    The family of Sgt. Baker was in the courtroom.

    https://www.newschannel5.com/news/st...deputy-s-death
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  6. #6
    Senior Member CnCP Legend CharlesMartel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    FRANCE
    Posts
    3,073
    Woman Charged In Deputy's Shooting Says She Was Afraid

    By ASSOCIATED PRESS
    WKMS

    A woman accused of being an accomplice in the killing of a Tennessee sheriff's deputy says she didn't know the man she was with had a gun and she stayed quiet during the shooting out of fear.

    Erika Castro-Miles told WKRN-TV from jail Monday that Steven Wiggins was high, beating her and threatening to kill her and her children. Castro-Miles and Wiggins are both charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 32-year-old Dickson County sheriff's Sgt. Daniel Baker, who died while investigating a suspicious car report. Both have pleaded not guilty.

    Prosecutors have said they'll seek the death penalty against both. Court documents say Castro-Miles was in the car when Wiggins shot Baker. He then dragged the deputy's body into the police cruiser and drove it to a rural area, where he set it on fire.

    http://wkms.org/post/woman-charged-d...she-was-afraid
    In the Shadow of Your Wings
    1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

  7. #7
    Administrator Heidi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Posts
    33,217
    Woman Charged In Dickson Deputy's Death Appears In Court

    A woman charged in connection with the killing of a Dickson County deputy appeared in court for a status hearing.

    Erika Castro-Miles has been charged, along with Steven Wiggins, in the shooting death of Sgt. Daniel Baker back on May 30.

    During a hearing Monday morning, Castro-Miles’ attorneys filed motions to reduce her bond and also requested a change of venue. However, all parties agreed to hold off until a preliminary hearing.

    The case against Wiggins will be sent back to General Sessions court strictly for a preliminary hearing.

    Baker had stopped Wiggins for allegedly driving a stolen car in which Miles was a passenger.

    Authorities said Wiggins shot Baker and then trying to set his squad car on fire.

    Both could end up facing the death penalty.

    https://www.newschannel5.com/news/wo...pears-in-court
    An uninformed opponent is a dangerous opponent.

    "Y'all be makin shit up" ~ Markeith Loyd

  8. #8
    Senior Member CnCP Legend CharlesMartel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    FRANCE
    Posts
    3,073
    Suspects in Sgt. Daniel Baker slaying to have hearing together

    By Chris Gadd
    The Nashville Tennessean

    Steven Wiggins and Erika Castro-Miles will appear in General Sessions Court soon for a preliminary hearing for the first-degree murder charge they both face.

    That hearing date is not yet determined.

    The decision to have the preliminary hearing for the first-degree murder charge was made after an agreement between the attorneys and defendants. Wiggins and Castro-Miles both face that charge but Wiggins faces several more state and federal charges.

    Castro-Miles appeared in court with her attorney, Eric Yow, who is based in Clarksville. Yow had filed motions to separate her case from Wiggins as well as lower bond and change the trial venue.

    Yow said his client would also wait until after the preliminary hearing to possibly request the bond reduction and other motions he filed.

    “Obviously we are doing the best we can do to separate ourselves from Wiggins. He’s the bad actor in this,” Yow said. “My client doesn’t show any culpability that I see so far.”

    “His is a capital case. Ours is not,” added Yow, who volunteered to represent Castro-Miles.

    Yow also has filed a motion to change venues for Castro-Miles’ trial.

    '“I want her to have a fair trial. I don’t think she can have a fair trial in Dickson County,” Yow said.

    Yow said he filed for the preliminary hearing “because the government cheated her out of a preliminary hearing, from what I understand.”

    In June, Castro-Miles was moved from Dickson County Jail to a Tennessee Department of Corrections prison.

    District Attorney General Ray Crouch said in June that the state would seek the death penalty for both Castro-Miles and Wiggins.

    Feds: Wiggins admitted he shot Baker

    Wiggins admitted to authorities that he shot Baker after the deputy discovered he was using a stolen car, according to federal investigators. Later, Wiggins set fire to Baker's body and patrol vehicle, according to a complaint filed this week in the federal court system.

    Wiggins has been charged with first degree murder in the May 30 shooting. Federal authorities have also added charges of carjacking resulting in death, use of a firearm during a deadly crime, being a felon with a weapon and possession of a weapon by a person convicted of domestic violence, according to federal court documents.

    Wiggins was caught along the Hickman County-Dickson County line after a 48-hour manhunt that involved more than a dozen law enforcement agencies. Wiggins was captured in rural area where the shooting took place and the search was focused.

    https://www.tennessean.com/story/new...ins/912702002/
    In the Shadow of Your Wings
    1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

  9. #9
    Senior Member CnCP Legend CharlesMartel's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2014
    Location
    FRANCE
    Posts
    3,073
    What does preliminary hearing mean for Sgt. Baker shooting defendants?

    By Chris Gadd
    The Nashville Tennessean

    In less than two weeks, the two people charged in the shooting death of Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Daniel Baker will return to the Dickson County General Sessions Court for a preliminary hearing.

    The two appear on a fast track to trial — and the district attorney cautioned that this latest proceeding should not be viewed as a “delay” or “maneuvering.”

    That said, the news last week had many asking: Why? What does the mean?

    After all, both Steven Wiggins and Erika Castro-Miles had already been formally charged with first degree murder in early June by a special session of the Dickson County Grand Jury. Those indictments were handed down just a week after Wiggins’ capture -- much faster than the average case. Wiggins, who also faces several state and federal charges, hid from authorities in the rural area where investigators say he shot Baker on May 30.

    District Attorney General Ray Crouch said due to the unique circumstances of the state’s case against Wiggins and Casto-Miles, and also against Joseph and Krystal Daniels in the April death of their 5-year-old son Joe Clyde Daniels, the special, all-day grand jury was called.

    “The volume of evidence presented to the grand jury required a significant amount of time,” Crouch said. “In a normal term of grand jury, 80 to 100 cases are presented in a two or three day period.”

    Often a preliminary hearing takes place at least two weeks after the defendant’s arrest. However, during this expedited case that involved federal charges, the preliminary hearing was temporarily bypassed.

    All the attorneys involved, prosecution and defending, noted that a preliminary hearing is “a right” even after indictments handed down by the Grand Jury.

    The judge won’t have to make a probable cause determination and it basically allows a defendant (Wiggins and/or Casto-Miles) an opportunity to learn something about the case against him,” said Public Defender Jake Lockert, who is representing Wiggins.

    Attorney Eric Yow was with his client Castro-Miles in court Aug. 6 for motions to “separate” her case from Wiggins. Yow, who also wants to lower her bond amount and change the trial venue, said during that court appearance he would wait until after the Aug. 28 preliminary hearing to seek those changes.

    (Wiggins is) the bad actor in this,” Yow said. “My client doesn’t show any culpability that I see so far.”

    “His is a capital case. Ours is not,” added Yow, who said he volunteered to represent Castro-Miles.

    Yow said he filed for the preliminary hearing “because the government cheated her out of a preliminary hearing, from what I understand.”

    Crouch said the preliminary hearing “is simply a part of the process” and “does not delay or impede the trial. The trial date is unchanged.”

    Last month, Crouch said the state would seek the death penalty for both Castro-Miles and Wiggins.

    Shooting background

    Wiggins admitted to authorities that he shot Baker after the deputy discovered Wiggins was using a stolen car, according to federal investigators. Later, Wiggins set fire to Baker's body and patrol vehicle, according to a complaint filed in the federal court system.

    Wiggins has been charged with first degree murder in the May 30 shooting. Federal authorities have also added charges of carjacking resulting in death, use of a firearm during a deadly crime, being a felon with a weapon and possession of a weapon by a person convicted of domestic violence, according to federal court documents.

    Wiggins was caught along the Hickman County-Dickson County line after a 48-hour manhunt that involved more than a dozen law enforcement agencies.

    https://www.tennessean.com/story/new...cts/996048002/
    In the Shadow of Your Wings
    1 A Prayer of David. Hear a just cause, O Lord; attend to my cry! Give ear to my prayer from lips free of deceit!

  10. #10
    Administrator Helen's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2013
    Location
    Toronto, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    20,875
    Related:

    Sgt. Baker Act: ‘Justice delayed is justice denied,’ says House leader as bill advances

    A bill named after Sgt. Daniel Baker that removes a step in the death penalty appeal process, was discussed by several lawmakers — including 3 from Dickson County and a 4th who represents Dickson — before being approved.

    The “Sgt. Daniel Baker Act” bill now moves on in both the state House and Senate.

    Baker was shot and killed in May 30 last year. Steven Wiggins and Erika Castro-Miles have been charged with first-degree murder and the district attorney’s office is seeking the death penalty for both. The trial is set for August. Littleton, Curcio on ‘Baker Act’

    State Rep. Mary Littleton, R-Dickson, who filed the House bill, was questioned by Democratic representatives on why the legislation is needed at the Judiciary Committee meeting Tuesday last week.

    Littleton said the bill is about handling the appeal process in fair and "more efficient manner” and added that her constituents often ask, “What can we do to speed this process up?”

    State Rep. Michael Curcio, R-Dickson, said he was "honored to have his name on it and honored to have some of the family members here today."

    Curcio said currently the state Court of Criminal Appeals looks over the cases in "a very limited scope” and the case still ultimately goes to the state Supreme Court.

    Curcio added that the appeals court step is unnecessary and when a case is in the Supreme Court, "everything starts over anyway.”

    Rep. Bo Mitchell, a Democrat who is from Dickson County before moving to Bellevue, asked if there were other ways to speed up the process.

    "Are we expediting it by taking a court step away?,” Mitchell said.

    He stated that Baker’s case is “clear cut. “There is no doubt…this person (defendant) deserves whatever we can come up with."

    "I am worried about the next one,” Mitchell added.

    The state House Majority Leader William Lamberth, a Republican who serves on the Judiciary Committee, said the current process will only continue to “delay justice. Period.”

    “This is the best case scenario for the defendant, for the victim’s family, and for the state’s interest is to get that back to the trial court as soon as possible,” Lamberth said. “This would save 6 months to 3 years out of that process. It keeps justice from being delayed. And justice delayed is justice denied.”

    The bill moved on from House Judiciary Committee to the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee meeting set for Wednesday.

    Judge: Appeals Court not reason cases ‘take 30 years’

    Judge John Everett Williams, the presiding judge of the state’s Court of Criminal Appeals, rebutted the idea that his court might be drawing out the death penalty cases.

    "We are not the reason these cases are taking 30 years,” said Williams to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 27.

    Williams said death penalty cases in his court are normally handled in a 3-5 month period, are “given priority,” and there’s not “dilly-dallying around with these type of cases."

    "If you can handle the worst of the worst cases in the State of Tennessee in 5 to 6 months, you are working ladies and gentlemen,” Williams said.

    Sen. Kerry Roberts, who represents Dickson County, said a few years ago he was “pretty conflicted” about the bill, which was also presented at that time by Sen. John Stevens, R-Huntington. Roberts passed on the bill at that time.

    However, he approved the bill last week.

    "I am doing this today because this is being presented by 2 of my House members in memory of one of my late constituents,” Roberts said.

    The Judiciary Committee approved the bill by 6-3 vote. The bill is scheduled to go before the entire Senate on Thursday for possible approval.

    Bill named after Baker

    Littleton said the bill was named after Baker to “memorialize Sgt. Baker and to continue his memory for those in Dickson County as well as around the state.”

    The representative said the bill “is not influenced by his death or the pending trial.”

    “The purpose is to condense the amount of time between the date of death sentence and court of last resort while still maintaining the U.S. Supreme Court’s due process mandates,” Littleton said.

    (source: The Tennessean)
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

Page 1 of 5 123 ... LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •