Thacker to be Tried in Tennessee First

Steven Thacker, the man accused in a three-state killing rampage, will not be coming back to Oklahoma anytime soon to face murder charges. Thacker was arrested in Tennessee last month. He is accused

Tuesday, February 22nd 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Steven Thacker, the man accused in a three-state killing rampage, will not be coming back to Oklahoma anytime soon to face murder charges. Thacker was arrested in Tennessee last month. He is accused of murdering a tow truck driver in that state.

He also faces murder charges in Missouri and is accused in the murder of Laci Hill of Bixby. Tennessee authorities initially agreed to return Thacker to Oklahoma to be tried here first. But the victim's family in Tennessee objected and now authorities say it could be two years or longer before Thacker sets foot in an Oklahoma courtroom.
Larry Griffin, Laci Hill's brother, says the family is disappointed, but still determined. "No matter the decision of the D-A in Tennessee, I will not give out on justice for Laci,â€ he said. â€œIf it takes me the rest of my life, I will make sure Steven Thacker does appear in a courtroom in Oklahoma for the murder of my sister."

Griffin says the family is concerned about Tennessee's record on the death penalty. Tennessee hasn't executed anyone since 1976, although an execution is scheduled for next month.
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