Steven Thacker's trial date set for September

Tuesday, August 27th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A man wanted in three states for three separate murders appeared in a Mayes County Court Tuesday morning. Convicted killer Steven Thacker is accused in the kidnapping, rape and murder of Laci Hill.

News on Six reporter Patrina Adger was at the hearing and says in shackles and chains, convicted killer Steven Thacker walked into the Mayes County Courthouse to faces charges in the second of three murders committed in December of 1999.

An OSBI investigator testified that during a taped interview in January 2000, Thacker admitted going to Laci Hill's home in Bixby to purchase a pool table she had advertised in the paper. The investigator says Thacker revealed his intention was to rob Hill, not to buy the pool table. Thacker admitted to pulling out a knife and demanding money from Hill. She said she didn't have any money but told him she could get some from her ATM card. Thacker says he then forced Hill into his car at knifepoint and drove her to a remote cabin in Chouteau more than 50 miles away from her home.

It was at the cabin where Thacker admitted to raping Hill. Thacker said he was going to leave Hill alone but was afraid she'd get away and ID him, so he strangled her. And when she didn't die right away, he says he stabbed her twice in the chest.

Thacker also says he took out $600 from Hill's account, went to a nearby Wal-Mart and purchased Christmas gifts for his family. Mayes County District Attorney Gene Haynes says even though Thacker is already on death row for a murder in Tennessee and has admitted to killing Hill, he says a jury trial in this case is still necessary. "We feel he needs to be found guilty of the crime in the murder of Laci Hill. He should be accountable for that crime and it's the desire of Lacy Hill's family that he be punished for that crime as well."

Thacker is facing kidnapping, rape and murder charges. If convicted, he could face the death penalty. A trial date will be set on September 10th. Thacker also faces murder charges in Missouri.