Murder charge for Orem man

Published: Friday, Nov. 6, 2009 9:07 p.m. MST
 |  E-MAIL | PRINT | FONT + - 

PROVO — Stephen E. Strate was surrounded by friends and family Friday when he was charged with murder, a first-degree felony, in 4th District Court.

Defense attorney Ron Yengich said Friday that evidence shows this was an issue of self-defense. But prosecutor David Sturgill said the state wouldn't have charged Strate with murder if it didn't have the evidence to support it.

"We charged murder because we reviewed the evidence, and we believe that charge is appropriate under the circumstance," Sturgill said.

Police said that on Oct. 25, Strate, 54, of Orem, shot and killed his brother-in-law, Marvin Sidwell, 51, in the basement of the house in which Sidwell lived. In the 911 call Strate made shortly after the shooting, he told the dispatcher that his brother-in-law came after him with a chair and that he shot Sidwell "six or seven times."

Yengich also filed a motion Friday to reduce bail, which was set at $1 million cash only. Strate had already made bail Tuesday with help from his friends and family, but Yengich said he wanted to pay back his friends and that the bail amount was "simply too high."

"He has great family support and support from the community," Yengich said.

Story continues below

Another hearing will determine whether the bail will change. However, Sturgill said the bail amount isn't unreasonable, and the state is not going to agree to lower it.

Strate's next court hearing is scheduled for Dec. 3.

e-mail: slenz@desnews.com

Recent comments

If i would him it would be scary if your brother-in-law charged at...

Crystal | Nov. 10, 2009 at 4:26 p.m.

That brother in law was a meth addict, you don't know how strong...

people are judgemental | Nov. 7, 2009 at 7:36 a.m.

Some cases are exactly what they seem. I don't know, but 6-7 shots...

ER in AF | Nov. 7, 2009 at 4:17 a.m.

Image
Mark Johnston, Associated Press

Stephen Strate, right, stands for his court appearance with attorney Ronald Yengich, left, in Provo Friday.

previousnext

Latest comments

Otters don't eat much trout - they stick to slower moving fish. They also eat...

ive heard good reviews of this movie and bad ones guess ill just have to find...

BYU's old uniforms?

Sounds good to me. Only do it for the bowl game where National...

Rivalry Week is highly profane

I'm a BYU Fan and I am pretty embarassed by this photo. I guess this is how...

He was probably rushing to a $3 toaster a Target.

I praise the decision to close the cave. One life is to many and it will save...

Finally an excellent idea borne out of tragedy. Kudos to the people that...

Rivalry Week is highly profane

I can't wait to read the excuses the Bougars have after tomorrow's game. I'm...

Logan aims for impact on Wynn

Hey Utah Fans: I am still trying to get over how you all showed us what it...

Tiger you better call me. Sounds like you better take care of the driving on...

Advertisements