Dothan man denied bond in murder for hire plot

A federal judge said a Dothan man showed an indifference to human life when he plotted to have his wife and her male friend killed at the Dothan apartment they shared.

By Matt Elofson
Published: November 18, 2009

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A federal judge said a Dothan man showed an indifference to human life when he plotted to have his wife and her male friend killed at the Dothan apartment they shared.

U.S. District Judge Charles Coody called Steven Michael Capshaw, 52, of Leonard Drive, a flight risk and a danger to the community. Agents with the FBI and Dothan police detectives arrested Capshaw earlier this month on a murder-for-hire charge that alleged he tried to have his wife and her friend murdered. Coody declined to release Capshaw from custody under any condition after an extensive court hearing.

The murder-for-hire scheme apparently was hatched after Capshaw claimed his wife recently left him by giving him a letter indicating she wanted a divorce. According to state court records, Sandra Gail Capshaw filed for divorce against Steven Michael Capshaw in August.

Federal records show Capshaw attempted to hire his niece, Nathina Whitaker, and her boyfriend, Timothy O’Neal, in an attempt to have his wife and her friend killed.

Coody called the evidence against Capshaw very strong, including his own recorded statements with the man he tried to hire for the murder.

“I’ve planned it out and went through it and gone through it and know that it’s easy,” Coody cited Capshaw as saying. “There’s a dead bolt, one of those Mickey Mouse dead bolts in a door handle lock. Right in, I can give the whole layout of the whole place.”

Coody cited other statements from Capshaw, including how he suggested the killer use a knife in the slaying because it was more quiet, although more messy. The federal records also show how Capshaw apparently even gave the man a knife for the killing.

“Over and done before they know what’s happening ... . Boom, five minutes and you’re done,” which is a statement which Coody cited as evidence in the Capshaw case.

Federal court records show Capshaw suggested during the hearing he would follow several conditions of release had he been released from custody, including an electronic monitoring system and the requirement that he live with relatives.

Coody denied Capshaw’s release, saying there were no conditions that would ensure the safety of the community and his attendance in court. He will remain in custody until trial.