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#7- McClellands convicted in death of elderly neighbor
Observer-Reporter Diane McClelland leaves a courtroom at the end of the day's testimony in her murder-conspiracy trial.
Jim McNutt/Observer-Reporter David Allen McClelland 57, is escorted to Washington County Courthouse, where he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of 92-year-old Evelyn Stepko.
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A Coal Center mother and her stepson were convicted this year for their roles in the robbery and slaying of their 92-year-old neighbor, bringing the total to three members of the McClelland family who are behind bars for the crimes.
David James McClelland, 38, a former police officer also of Coal Center, was convicted April 9 in a jury trial before Judge John F. DiSalle of second-degree homicide, dealing in the proceeds of crimes, receiving stolen property and conspiracy in the stabbing death of the widowed Evelyn Stepko.
His stepmother, Diane McClelland, was convicted May 1 before the same judge on charges of conspiracy to commit homicide, burglary, theft and dealing with the proceeds of the crime and separate count of receiving stolen property.
Her husband, David A. McClelland, 59, pleaded guilty in October 2012 to first-degree homicide and was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
The elder McClelland stabbed Stepko twice in the neck during a robbery and struggle with him in her 1076 Pike Run Drive home July 17 or 18, 2011. Prosecutors said the McClellands stole hundreds of thousands of old musty dollars from the shut-in and spent lavishly on gambling, car purchases, property and guns.
The younger McClelland is appealing his life sentence. His stepmother collapsed in court when she was sentenced to 24 ½ to 49 years in prison, a punishment she, too, has appealed.