Bio

Stephen Stanko was born in 1968. He grew up in a challenging environment, which influenced his later life.

Stanko had trouble with the law at an early age. In 1996, he was convicted of assault and kidnapping. He served eight years of a ten-year sentence in prison. While incarcerated, Stanko co-authored a book called "Living in Prison: A History of the Correctional System With an Insider's View." This book discussed life in prison and his fears of being seen as a criminal after he was released.

After his release in 2004, Stanko attempted to adjust to life outside of prison. About a year later, he began doing research for what he claimed was a second book. During this time, he met Laura Ling, a librarian, and they became close. He eventually moved in with her in Murrells Inlet, South Carolina.

While living with Laura, Stanko also became acquainted with a library patron named Henry Lee Turner.

Murder Story

On April 8, 2005, Stephen Stanko committed two murders in Georgetown County, South Carolina. He murdered Laura Ling, a 43-year-old librarian who was living with him, by strangulation. He also shot Henry Lee Turner, a 74-year-old man, days later.

After the murders, Stanko attempted to escape from authorities. A nationwide manhunt was launched to find him. He was eventually arrested four days later, on April 12, 2005, in Augusta, Georgia.

In the aftermath, Stanko was charged with the murders and faced a trial. He was found guilty and sentenced to death in 2007 for killing Laura Ling. His trial for the murder of Henry Turner took place later, and he received another death sentence in 2009.

While in custody, police discovered articles about other serial killers in Stanko's home. This sparked concern among investigators about his potential motivations.

Stanko's case drew significant media attention due to the violent nature of his crimes and the manhunt that followed. He remains on death row in South Carolina, with ongoing appeals regarding his convictions and sentences.