After a week-long trial, a White County jury on Friday found a 37-year-old man guilty in connection with the 2017 death of his girlfriend.
Justin Scott Mayo of White County was found guilty of murder, felony murder, and aggravated assault. The jury deliberated just more than three hours before reaching a decision.
Mayo was charged in the Nov. 4, 2017, death of 42-year-old Stephanie Ann Smith.
At the time of her death, the White County Sheriff’s Office reported the victim had significant injuries to her body. During their investigation, police discovered Mayo and the victim had been involved in a verbal altercation in Helen the night before her death.
The jury selection process began Monday and the jury returned its verdict late Friday.
Senior Judge Albert Collier, who presided, set sentencing for Mayo for 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 10, at the White County Courthouse.
Because Smith’s two daughters live in Michigan, Collier on Friday allowed them to provide the court with their victim impact statements to be included in the sentencing phase so they could return to Michigan.
