CLEVELAND — In a rambling and disturbing video posted online, Steve Stephens chillingly declared, “I snapped, I just snapped.” That footage—showing the cold-blooded murder of a 74-year-old retiree—sparked a coast-to-coast manhunt that intensified on Monday, yet left authorities still grasping for answers about what drove him to kill.
Police: “Only Steve Knows Why”
As the investigation deepens, Cleveland Police Chief Calvin Williams admitted the motive remains a mystery. “Only Steve knows that,” he said, as law enforcement offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Stephens’ arrest.
The victim, Robert Godwin Sr., was randomly targeted while collecting aluminum cans—a quiet routine he enjoyed—after spending Easter with his children.
Ex-Girlfriend Blamed, But Offers No Clarity
In the video, Stephens blamed a former girlfriend, claiming emotional turmoil led him to commit the act. However, the woman in question described him as kind and supportive, offering no clues about what may have caused his violent outburst. “He was good to me and my kids,” she said in a brief statement.
From Counselor to Fugitive: Who Is Steve Stephens?
Stephens, 37, once worked at Beech Brook, a Cleveland-area agency that helps troubled youth find employment and life skills. Coworkers say he passed all background checks before being hired and showed no warning signs of violence.
Friends described him as calm and pleasant, though some mentioned his serious gambling problem. In a separate Facebook video, Stephens admitted to losing everything and hinted at a broken engagement, though details were scarce.
Victim Was a Kind Soul, Family Says
Godwin’s daughter, Debbie Godwin, described her father as a loving, gentle man with ten children. “He wasn’t doing anything wrong—just picking up cans. That’s all,” she said. “He didn’t need the money. It was just his thing.”
In the now-removed video, Stephens approaches Godwin, mentions a woman’s name, and tells him, “She’s the reason this is about to happen to you.” The elderly man, confused, tried to shield himself with a plastic shopping bag before being shot.
Tracking the Suspect: A Trail Grows Cold
Law enforcement traced Stephens’ cellphone signal to Erie, Pennsylvania, roughly 100 miles from Cleveland, but since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown. FBI Special Agent Stephen Anthony said, “He could be nearby, far away, or anywhere in between.”
Dozens of tips poured in, prompting lockdowns at nine Philadelphia schools due to possible sightings, but authorities later confirmed there was no evidence he was in the area.
Past Struggles Surface
Stephens filed for bankruptcy in 2015, citing financial trouble. His former attorney, Trent Binger, recalled him as “respectful” and “easy to work with,” despite his known gambling issues.
Meanwhile, Joy Lane—the woman Stephens blamed—sent a message to CBS expressing sorrow. “We were in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened,” she wrote. “He was a nice guy who was generous to everyone.”
Facebook Under Scrutiny
The gruesome video remained on Facebook for nearly three hours before being taken down, raising serious concerns about the platform’s ability to moderate violent content.
Police confirmed that despite Stephens’ claims of killing others, only one victim has been identified: Robert Godwin Sr.
Authorities Urge Suspect to Surrender
On Sunday, police managed to briefly speak with Stephens by phone, attempting to convince him to turn himself in—but he did not cooperate. Authorities continue urging him to come forward peacefully.
Conclusion
As Cleveland mourns the senseless loss of a beloved father and grandfather, a nation watches anxiously. The search for Steve Stephens remains urgent and unresolved. Until he is found, the question still lingers: what caused a man once known for helping others to commit such an unthinkable act?