LAKE WALES, Fla. – Polk County sheriff’s deputies arrested a 38-year-old Winter Haven man suspected of murdering another man in his Lake Wales home on Thanksgiving Day.
Steven Nicholas Hunt is charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in the shooting death of Stephen Robert Edwards, 45.
"While most people in the county were enjoying a holiday meal with their families and loved ones on Thanksgiving Day, a senseless murder was taking place in Lake Wales,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd in a news release. “Our deputies, detectives, and crime scene investigators worked throughout the day and well into the night on this case
“We are grateful that this violent convicted felon was taken into custody swiftly and without further injury to anyone else. Our condolences go out to the victim and his loved ones."
An arrest affidavit states Hunt "knowingly and intentionally" shot Edwards in the head twice.
Sheriff's deputies arrested Hunt at the Circle K gas station at 7695 Highway 60 East in Bartow.
A woman called 911 around 2:30 p.m. Thursday to report Edwards was shot at his Lake Wales home on Lake Buffum Road East just south of Spiker Lane, the arrest report said. Deputies said they found Edwards dead with an apparent gunshot wound to his head upon arrival.
The woman told deputies she and Edwards initially drove to Hunt's house to take him to Walmart. They returned to Edwards' home in Lake Wales afterward.
The report said the woman walked past a bedroom after taking a shower and saw Edwards holding a gun. While in the other bedroom, she heard what sounded like a gunshot.
Hunt told the woman he shot Edwards, the report states. Shortly after, Hunt then grabbed the gun and told the woman to get in a truck to leave with him.
While the woman drove the truck, she said she believed Hunt – who sat in the passenger seat – threw the gun out of the window.
Hunt told the woman to drive to the Circle K.
After arriving, the woman "found an opportunity" to drive away from Hunt, according to the report. She then called 911.
Hunt's criminal history includes 16 felony charges and 10 misdemeanor charges. It includes seven felony convictions and six misdemeanor convictions. His arrest records include charges for battery domestic violence, resisting arrest, burglary, larceny, grand theft of a firearm, dealing in stolen property, possession of meth and possession of marijuana.
Hunt's most recent arrest was Nov. 7 for battery domestic violence, the sheriff's office said. He was released on probation on Nov. 14.
Authorities are holding Hunt on no bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for Saturday.
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