New evidence was introduced by Judge Mitchell Shick at the beginning of the sentencing hearing for Larry Steeples Friday.

A letter that was received by the courthouse from Steeples’ ex-wife, Roxanne Steeples, was handed over by Judge Shick to Lupita Thompson, Steeples’ lawyer and Brian Bower and Robert Scales, the State’s Attorney and Assistant State’s Attorney.

“The letter contains some of what she testified (on Sept. 4),” Shick said. “It provides the court with background information on Mr. Steeples.”

Thompson submitted the paperwork to have the sentence reduced.

Judge Shick denied the motion to reduce Steeples’ sentence.

Thompson said she would be filing a notice of appeal through the state appellate court to get the case reviewed.

The court reminded Thompson that she would need to make an appointment with the appellate defendants office to represent Steeples.

Steeples was convicted of first-degree murder on Aug. 7 and was sentenced to a minimum of 45 years to natural life in prison on Sept. 4.

Mackenzie Freund can be reached at 581-2812 or at mgfreund@eiu.edu