CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — After four years and a weeklong trial, the family of a Clarksville murder victim has closure.
On Friday, Jaelyn Gant was found guilty on four charges following the 2020 murder of a 28-year-old Seth Stephens.
Following the verdict, Seth’s mother and sister spoke with News 2. Although they were relieved to have closure, they said the verdict still doesn’t bring Seth back.
“We were able to put someone who is truly a monster away, but we'll never get Seth back,” sister Hannah Stephens said. “I saw him a week before he died and I held him close and I told him I loved him. And of course he thought it was weird and was like, 'Get off!' Now, I would do anything in the world to just have that back.”
Back in December 2020, Seth was working at the New King Mao Chinese restaurant on Needmore Road. The District Attorney’s Office worked to prove Gant walked in, demanded money from Seth, then shot him when he refused to hand it over.
Seth’s mom, Rachael Stepens, recalled learning Seth had died at the scene.
“It just seemed like it was just a nightmare and I wanted to go to my son and, of course, I couldn't," Rachael said. "That was hard because I really wanted to see if what they were telling me was true. I hope no one ever has to experience that.”
During trial, the state connected Gant to a gun and cell phone later found in Illinois. That cell phone had searches relating to Seth’s murder in Clarksville. Gant was arrested in Illinois on other charges, then extradited back to Tennessee.
Gant argued that the gun came into his possession after the murder. However on Friday, a Clarksville jury returned their guilty verdict in a matter of hours.
“I think in him being away for a long period of time will save other lives, honestly," Rachael said. "I believe there Seth served his purpose in bringing a monster — like [Hannah] called him — to justice."
Gant was found guilty of first-degree felony murder during the perpetration of a robbery, second-degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm while a convicted felon.
Sentencing has scheduled for October 9.