Steven Tompkins, 27, was sentenced today to life in prison for the murder of his mother and brother in Lehigh Acres in 2013. Tompkins pled no contest to two counts of First Degree Murder, one count of Carjacking and one count of Robbery in exchange for not facing the death penalty. He received life on each count to be served concurrently. Tompkins was indicted by a Grand Jury on the charges in May 2014.
Tompkins attempted to kill his mother Shelly, 55, while she was sleeping by bludgeoning her with a hammer. He then used a knife to end her life. He then shot and killed his brother Daniel, 22, as he lay sleeping in his bed.
Tompkins wanted to leave home but learned his mother was going to kick him out of the house so he killed her. He killed his brother so he could steal his truck to flee.
Co-defendant Jocelyn Luck is charged with two counts of Accessory After the Fact. She accepted a plea agreement that in part required her to testify against Tompkins. Her sentencing was deferred until the case against Tompkins was resolved. Her next court date is a status hearing on December 4th.
Assistant State Attorney Hamid Hunter of our Homicide Unit and Assistant State Attorney Danielle Butler are handling both cases.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
239-533-1125
ssyoen@sao20.org