Man Who Killed Sex Offender Has Murder Charges Dropped

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A Birmingham man who killed a convicted sex offender had murder charges against him dropped by a Jefferson County jury this week. Stacey Gordon was found not guilty on three charges of capital murder after shooting-and-killing 53-year-old Michael Shane Stepp. in 2017.

Victor Revill, Gordin's attorney, argued Gordon acted in self-defense during this Stand Your Ground case, after Stepp reportedly tried to lure Gordon into his car.

Dennis Robertson, who was formerly employed with the Mobile Police Department and the Mobile County Sheriff's Office, testified in a March hearing about an investigation he conducted in 1987 and 1988 into a "predator sex ring" involving Stepp, in which Stepp and others lured teenage boys with money or drugs in exchange for sexual favors. An Alabama Media Group report said some of the sex ring victims were younger than 16, and the oldest victims were 18 or 19.

Stepp, while driving, reportedly approached Gordon three times on the night of the shooting, Revill said. Stepp kept asking Gordon if he needed help and gave Gordon his phone number. When Stepp later approached and saw Gordon still walking, he asked Gordon if he needed a ride home. Thinking Stepp was a good Samaritan, Revill said Gordon accepted the ride.

After Gordon realized Stepp was not taking him home, he reportedly asked Stepp to let him out of the car. At this time, Gordon said Stepp refused and said he was going to take Gordon somewhere to have sex.

Gordin then pulled out his gun and when Stepp appeared to be reaching for something in his car, Gordon shot Stepp.

"He was in fear for his life," Revill said. "Had he not defended himself, he may not be here today."