Man Convicted of Murdering Woman Who Went Missing in South Florida
A man convicted of killing a New York woman who disappeared in South Florida nearly two decades ago will spend the rest of his life behind bars.
Sentence Handed Down
Life in prison is the sentence handed down to Kendrick Williams, 49, on Friday in a Broward County court, for the 2007 murder of Stepha Henry, 22.
Disappearance and Investigation
Henry vanished after going to a nightclub in Sunrise in 2007. Her body still hasn’t been found.
Family’s Reaction
“He’s very wicked and evil, and she didn’t deserve what he did to her,” said Sylvia Henry, Stepha’s mother. “I know that she suffered and that’s very painful for me as a mother to know that my daughter suffered.”
Conviction and Sentencing
A Broward County jury convicted Williams of murder in September after prosecutors showed evidence that Henry’s DNA was found in Williams’ car.
Family’s Testimony
Henry’s mother, sister, and aunt took the stand Friday to face Williams and share their pain.
Aunt’s Emotional Statement
“I’ve lost so many moments with my sister I can never get back. She was a bright and shining star, an aspiring lawyer with plans,” said Shola Henry, Stepha’s aunt.
Family’s Plea for Closure
“Stepha doesn’t exist, you’re fighting for existence, you not existing is closure for me,” Stepha’s aunt said, staring at Williams in court.
Victim’s Background
The family says Henry had a bright future, having graduated from college. She was taking the LSAT and planned to become a lawyer. She lived in Brooklyn but had come down to Miami that weekend 17 years ago to celebrate her sister’s birthday.
Family’s Desire for Closure
“For us, we will never truly have inner peace, we want her back but we can’t have her. That’s the only way we could be satisfied,” said Shola Henry.
Conclusion
The Henry family is desperate to know where Stepha’s body is. They hope one day she is found so they can lay her to rest.
FAQs
Q: Who was Stepha Henry?
A: Stepha Henry was a 22-year-old woman from New York who disappeared in South Florida in 2007.
Q: Who was convicted of her murder?
A: Kendrick Williams, 49, was convicted of Stepha Henry’s murder in September.
Q: What was the sentence handed down to Williams?
A: Williams was sentenced to life in prison for Stepha Henry’s murder.
Q: Has Stepha Henry’s body been found?
A: No, Stepha Henry’s body has not been found.
