Facebook live killer Steve Stephens' ex-lover Joy Lane also known as Joy Carr, has finally issued a statement over the recent killings in which his ex-lover was involved. FBI and Cleveland police are now trailing him into five nearby states after confirming that the killer might have already left Ohio. Stephens uploaded on Facebook the murder of Robert Godwin Sr. at 2 pm on Easter Sunday, April 16.
They were in a relationship for years then broke up
In a text statement delivered to CBS news, Joy Lane was also known as Joy Carr said the following: "We had been in a relationship for several years.
I am sorry that all of this has happened. My heart & prayers go out to the family members of the victim(s). Steve really is a nice guy… he is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children."
Apart from this, Joy Lane also said that Stephens was a "caring and loving" person and that she wasn't sure why she was the reason of his ex-lover's murderous actions. However, on the day Stephens murdered Godwin, he and Joy Lane broke up. At the moment Joy Lane is being held in an undisclosed location for safety.
PLEASE RESPECT HER WISHES! Steve Stephens Ex-Girlfriend Joy Lane Responds To Horrific Tragedy! https://t.co/kW9EGip6ks pic.twitter.com/seF3VPb9Ia
— 🎙Wayne Dupree (@WayneDupreeShow) April 17, 2017
More information about Steve Stephens
According to verifiable public information, Steve Stephens was experiencing a financial crisis when he "snapped." Public court records show Stephens filing for bankruptcy, which can be linked to his confession of being in financial difficulty during the day of the crime.
According to court records, #SteveStephens filed bankruptcy. Stephens did mention before killing the 74yo man, that he "lost everything"... pic.twitter.com/nYqsp0Q1bC
— Tia A. Ewing (@TIA_EWING) April 17, 2017
Aside from this, Cleveland police also revealed that Steve Stephens had a lot of traffic violations and was a member of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity.
The said fraternity also issued a statement condemning the killings. However, it is a fact that Stephens had no criminal record and that many suspect him having an undisclosed mental issue, which some people thinks he may use as an excuse once he gets caught.
Concerned citizens join the manhunt
Apart from the police, a number of concerned private citizens have taken it up to themselves to help bring Steve Stephens to justice.
If you see this man, Steve Stephens, in the Cleveland area, get to safety first and call the police. pic.twitter.com/qKGUxMfsNf
— Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) April 16, 2017
STEVE STEPHENS IS SAID TO BE IN ERIE PA. PLATE NUMBER E363630. PLEASE RETWEET to help stop him now and save a life! BE CAREFUL!!! pic.twitter.com/rOQqGy0Nwd
— Will Koz (@Will_Koz) April 17, 2017
The police are advising citizens to be vigilant and look out for this person, urging them to quickly call the authorities if they get some leads as to his whereabouts.
Update on Police investigation
A recent detection of Stephens' phone signal or "ping" in Erie, Pennsylvania have caught the attention of investigators, which led many to believe that he had indeed left Ohio.
Though some are skeptical about the detection as law enforcement authorities in Erie didn't detect such a signal. Nevertheless, the search for Stephens has been escalated to a nationwide manhunt, placing a $50,000 reward to anyone who can give information which will lead to his arrest.
If you see Steve Stephens dial 9-1-1. If you have tips about the crime or his whereabouts please call the FBI tipline 1-800-Call FBI
— Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) April 17, 2017