Bio

Steven Van McHone was born on March 23, 1970. He grew up in Surry County, North Carolina. His family was marked by conflict and issues that shaped his early life. Steven's father, Bobby McHone, struggled with alcohol and gambling problems. He often left Steven home alone at night while he went out, which created an unstable environment. This situation affected Steven's upbringing significantly.

By the time he was twelve years old, Steven began to have serious problems with substance abuse. He started drinking alcohol and using drugs at a young age. His struggles with addiction were apparent throughout his teenage years. Although he had a relatively normal childhood early on, things changed after his parents divorced. After the divorce, Steven’s behavior became increasingly troubled.

He had a history of legal issues before the events that would eventually lead to his death sentence. Steven had been on probation for larceny convictions prior to the incidents involving his parents. His relationship with his mother, Mildred Adams, was particularly strained, marked by numerous conflicts and threats. Mildred had expressed fears about Steven's behavior to family and friends.

At the age of 19, Steven was living with his mother and stepfather in their home. During this time, he continued to struggle with alcohol and possibly other drugs. These substance use issues contributed to a tumultuous family dynamic, and his relationship with his parents was filled with arguments, especially regarding money matters.

Steven's early life was marked by turmoil and instability, which set the stage for the events that would follow.

Murder Story

On June 3, 1990, Steven Van McHone shot and killed his mother, Mildred Johnson Adams, and his stepfather, Wesley Dalton Adams Sr., in their home in Surry County, North Carolina. Earlier that night, McHone had been with his family, including his half-brother, Wesley Adams Jr., who was visiting with his wife and young child. They had enjoyed a fishing trip that day.

After returning home, McHone got into a heated argument with his parents over financial issues. Mildred Adams was concerned because a handgun from their camper was missing. Shortly afterward, while Wesley Jr. was getting ready for bed, three gunshots rang out. Wesley Jr. then heard his stepfather yelling for him to call 911.

When Wesley Jr. ventured into the hallway, he witnessed a struggle between McHone and Mr. Adams, who was attempting to disarm him. Wesley Jr. quickly intervened, disarming McHone of a pistol. As the situation escalated, Mr. Adams was shot in the chest by McHone with a shotgun. Afterward, the two struggled again, and McHone continued to threaten Wesley Jr.

Mildred Adams had been shot in the back of the head and was found face down outside. She was later pronounced dead at the hospital due to her injuries. Wesley Adams Sr. died from his gunshot wound shortly after being shot. Both victims were 52 years old at the time of their deaths.

After the shootings, McHone displayed signs of remorse and questioned his actions, asking what he had done. He was arrested at the scene, where he continued to express regret and threatened to kill Wesley Jr. and his family if he were released.

McHone was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and was convicted in 1991. He was sentenced to death on March 7, 1991. McHone spent over 14 years on death row before being executed by lethal injection on November 11, 2005.