Jurors find Jeff Steen guilty of grandfather’s murder and mother’s attempted murder

By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — Jeff Steen will spend the rest of his life in prison after Rowan County jurors found him guilty of the 2013 robbery and first-degree murder of his 87-year-old grandfather, J.D. Furr,  and the attempted murder of his mother, Sandra Steen.

During deliberations that started Monday, jurors asked to see pieces of evidence and at times were deadlocked. But, just before 11 a.m. today, a unanimous decision was reached.

One by one, jurors were asked whether they stood by their verdict, to which all 12 said they did.

Judge Nathaniel Poovey is expected to sentence Steen, 43, later in the afternoon.

Sandra Steen spoke very briefly before the lunch break, saying it was difficult to sit in court for three and a half weeks, but that it was the result of her son’s choice.

“Justice for Daddy has been served now. It’s been three and half weeks of reliving Nov. 5 over and over every day, and I’m just real tired and I’m ready to moved on now,” she said.

Rowan County investigators said Jeff Steen beat his grandfather with a potato hoe, emptied Furr’s wallet and then attacked mother Sandra Steen by using a martial arts choking maneuver on her and leaving her for dead.

Sandra Steen survived, going in and out of consciousness all night. She tried to crawl back to the house but never really got far.

She called out to her father, but investigators said J.D. Furr was already dead.

During the trial, testimony showed Jeff Steen would likely inherit his grandfather’s Richfield farm upon the death of Furr and Sandra Steen. Jeff Steen also owed them both money. He was behind on his car payments, his car insurance had lapsed and he owed back taxes.

Sandra Steen said it she was glad the trial was over.

When a reporter asked if it was hard because her son was heading to prison for her attempted murder and her father’s death, Sandra Steen said her son forgot on Nov. 5 that she was his mother when he tried to kill her.

“We all make choices and he made a choice that he’s got to live with,” she said.

See Thursday’s Post for more details.

SportsPlus

Local

Raiders return triumphantly: South Rowan cheerleaders greeted by roaring student body upon return from nationals

Granite Quarry

Granite Quarry continues growth by annexing two more properties

News

Salisbury Symphony to offer Valentine treat

News

Civitan Club of Salisbury shows clergy appreciation

News

Help starts here with NC 211 

Local

Salisbury protest rallies against mass deportations

Local

Firefighters get hands on with structural collapse training

News

‘The time of my life’ — Dance competition incredible experience for Landis police officer

News

Artist of the month and reception premieres Feb. 14 at pottery shop

High School

Sports: Coach Wilson honored by governor’s office

News

Celebrating Black History: Program spotlights contributions of inventors

Crime

Blotter — Feb. 11

News

Paw Pals

Local

Awakenher Wellness Perfect Prom Experience and prom dress giveaway 

News

Black History Month: Four locals among first Black Marines

Business

Cannon YMCA – Kannapolis ready to swim after much anticipated completion of indoor pool renovation

Business

Annuities used in retirement offer varied income options

News

Paw Pals

News

Sailing to freedom: ESU to host college professors on topic of Maritime Underground Railroad

News

Moore’s Chapel AME Zion Church celebrates Black History Month

Landis

‘A great day for Landis’ — Town officials roll out first new fire engine since 2007

News

Salisbury continuing to move closer to Kesler Mill redevelopment

News

Pfeiffer Center for Undergraduate Instruction named for Salisbury’s Shelby

News

Bridge tournament draws large crowd