Bio

Steven Ray Newell was born on September 26, 1980. He grew up in an unstable environment. There were reports of both sexual and physical abuse during his childhood.

Newell was living in Maricopa County, Arizona, where he became involved in the local community. He dated the sister of an eight-year-old girl named Elizabeth Byrd, which created a connection between him and the child. This relationship likely influenced his interactions within the community.

Murder Story

On May 23, 2001, Elizabeth Byrd, an 8-year-old girl, was walking to school in Maricopa County, Arizona. At about 8:00 a.m., she met Steven Ray Newell, who approached her and started to walk alongside her. Newell had a prior relationship with Elizabeth's sister, which is how he knew her. When Elizabeth told him she was late for school and wanted to go, Newell convinced her to take a shortcut through a nearby field.

Once they were isolated and away from other people, Newell assaulted Elizabeth. After this, he used a strap from her backpack to strangle her. Once Elizabeth was dead, Newell wrapped her body in a carpet and discarded her in a water-filled drainage ditch.

Elizabeth was reported missing by her family later that day when she did not come home from school. The following day, authorities found her belongings, including her shoe and backpack, in the field where Newell had taken her. In a further search, Elizabeth's body was discovered in the ditch, and an autopsy revealed signs of strangulation and sexual assault.

Newell was arrested two weeks later. He admitted to being with Elizabeth and led investigators to the ditch where he left her but denied having killed her. Forensic evidence, including DNA found on Elizabeth, linked him to the crime.

In June 2001, Newell was indicted on several charges, including first-degree murder, sexual conduct with a minor, and kidnapping. His trial began in January 2004, and by February of that year, he was found guilty on all counts. The jury found multiple factors that warranted a death sentence, citing the brutality of the crime and Elizabeth’s young age. Newell was sentenced to death on February 26, 2004. His verdict was later upheld after an appeal.