b: 1960
Summary
Name:
Steven Wesley ParkusYears Active:
1985Birth:
June 12, 1960Status:
ImprisonedClass:
MurdererVictims:
1Method:
StrangulationNationality:
USAb: 1960
Summary: Murderer
Name:
Steven Wesley ParkusStatus:
ImprisonedVictims:
1Method:
StrangulationNationality:
USABirth:
June 12, 1960Years Active:
1985Steven Wesley Parkus was born on July 12, 1960. He ended up in trouble with the law as a young adult. He had a history of violent behaviors. He attempted to strangle other people on three different occasions. He was also involved in an incident where he raped a prison teacher.
Eventually, Steven Parkus was convicted of murder in 1985. At that time, he was an inmate in the Missouri State Penitentiary, specifically in a unit for prisoners who required special treatment.
On November 24, 1985, Steven Wesley Parkus murdered Mark Steffenhagen in the Missouri State Penitentiary. Both men were inmates in a special unit designed for protective custody. This unit housed inmates who had been threatened with sexual abuse or were struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Steffenhagen returned to his cell after supper between 5:30 and 6:00 p.m. By around 7:15 p.m., he was found dead in his cell. Another inmate, Larry Weixelbaum, was on duty when he noticed the bars of Steffenhagen's cell were covered by a blanket. Weixelbaum thought this was normal because Steffenhagen often used a blanket for warmth.
When Weixelbaum heard a call for help coming from Steffenhagen's cell, he went to investigate. Parkus was inside the cell instead of his own. He moved the blanket aside and asked Weixelbaum to help him. Weixelbaum then realized that Steffenhagen was lying on the bed and not breathing. Parkus said, "I think I killed him."
Weixelbaum notified a guard, Sergeant Richard Hagendorf, who came to the cell. When Hagendorf arrived, Parkus attempted to leave, but Hagendorf ordered him to stay. Parkus then tried to run but was caught and handcuffed.
An autopsy on Steffenhagen later revealed signs of a struggle. He had scrapes on his nose and chin, bruises on his wrists and ankles, and damage to his neck. The cause of death was confirmed to be manual strangulation. On the same day of the murder, Parkus was arrested. He faced trial and was sentenced to death on March 20, 1987, but his sentence was later commuted to life in prison.
