July 28, 2020 – A jury has found Brandon Ivy guilty of strangling 53-year-old Stephanie Hunter to death on November 22, 2019.
“Stephanie’s life was maliciously stolen from her,” said Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa A. Schiffel. “Stephanie was a mother. She was a grandmother, a daughter. Stephanie had a life, and when she decided she no longer wanted to share that life with Brandon Ivy, he took it from her. If he couldn’t have her, no one could.”
The murder trial, during which Brandon Ivy chose to represent himself at the conclusion of day one, lasted five days. During that time, jurors heard from more than 20 witnesses including Stephanie’s family, forensic experts, law enforcement, medical professionals, and those who knew the couple socially. Jurors also visited the crime scene – Stephanie Hunter’s apartment in Powell, Ohio.
“Stephanie had a big heart,” said Prosecutor Schiffel. “She was trying to end an abusive relationship, fighting to live her life surrounded by family and friends. Her death is a tragedy, and I am proud to stand up for her and all victims of domestic violence. My office will do all we can to be a voice for Stephanie during sentencing and demand her killer be held accountable and never get the chance to hurt anyone again.”
A sentencing hearing for 28-year-old Ivy is set for August 10, 2020 at 11 a.m. At that time, he will be sentenced for:
-Count 1: Aggravated Murder
-Count 2: Murder
-Count 3: Murder
-Count 4: F2 Felonious Assault
-Count 5: F4 Menacing by Stalking
Counts 1, 2, 3, and 4 carry repeat violent offender specifications, which could add time on to a sentence, however, Ivy faces life in prison even without the specifications.
