Steven Thacker sentencing hearing

Testimony continues in the sentencing hearing for Steven Thacker. Thacker pleaded guilty earlier this month in a Mayes County courtroom to the 1999 murder of Laci Hill of Bixby. <br><br>Testimony wrapped

Wednesday, December 18th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Testimony continues in the sentencing hearing for Steven Thacker. Thacker pleaded guilty earlier this month in a Mayes County courtroom to the 1999 murder of Laci Hill of Bixby.

Testimony wrapped up Wednesday afternoon after character witnesses took the stand including Thacker's mother, aunt and an ex-girlfriend who testified that he was volatile at times but also had a caring side.

A psychologist testified that Thacker was a troubled child and was diagnosed as having bi-polar disorder, for which he's taking lithium. Hill's brother, Larry Griffin, says none of that justifies his sister's death. "How many people have had a rough childhood? How many people have come from a family of divorce. Mr. Thacker has 2 sisters; they didn't go out and murder 3 people. Even if they did, it's still not justifiable. People have overcome greater odds than he."

A final defense witness is expected to testify today. Thacker's already sentenced to death in Tennessee and is awaiting trial on a Missouri murder charge.