Monday, Nov. 09, 2009

SC death row inmate's 2nd trial gets under way

CONWAY, S.C. -- A man already on South Carolina's death row for killing his girlfriend is going on trial again in another death penalty case.

Jury selection began Monday in Stephen Stanko's second trial. A judge ruled he was competent to stand trial last week. Opening statements are expected in a few days.

Authorities have charged Stanko with shooting Henry Lee Turner in the 74-year-old's Conway home on April 8, 2005.

Stanko has been sentenced to die for killing his live-in girlfriend, Laura Ling, and assaulting a teen on the same day. Stanko is being held on death row in Ridgeville, with no date set for his execution.

A gag order prevents attorneys from discussing Stanko's case.