Hearing set for murder suspect

A status hearing was set Monday during a Charleston man’s first court appearance to address charges of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Gina Giberson.

Larry Steeples was arrested and charged April 7, with two counts of first-degree murder with intent to kill or injure and one count of first-degree murder with strong probability to kill or injure.

Steeples requested, and was granted, a one-week continuance on Monday. His status hearing is set to take place at 9 a.m. April 21 in courtroom No. 1.

Steeples faces accusations of causing Giberson’s death, which Chief Deputy Coroner Mike Bennett said was brought about by multiple gunshot wounds.

Steeples, a Charleston resident, who was last known to reside at 216 W. Vine Ave., is still in police custody and his bond is set at $5 million.

Steeples has a history of reports filed against him by Giberson, including an order of protection of which he was supposed to attend court for one day after Giberson’s death.

Katie Smith can

be reached at 581-2812

or kesmith2@eiu.edu.