Murder Trial Preview

By: Andrea Williams - Email

Updated: Thu 12:20 AM, May 10, 2012

The case involves John Steele. The Texas native is accused in the stabbing death of William Ashton III of Butler. Investigators say the stabbing happened at Ashton's house following an argument between the two men. Choctaw County Sheriff Tom Abate says the argument was sparked after Steele was awakened.

Investigators say the altercation between the two men lasted about an hour. They say it ended with Steele going into the room where he had been sleeping and bringing out a knife that had a blade almost a foot long. After being stabbed, they say the victim staggered onto the porch and fell to the ground in the front yard where he died. Once in custody Sheriff Abate says Steele's blood alcohol level registered almost three times the legal limit. Now charged with murder, if found guilty, Steele could face up to life in prison.

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