Stoddard County man three life sentences upheld

CAPE GIRARDEAU — A Stoddard County man will continue to serve consecutive life sentences after a judge denied his request to set aside his sentences.

Having pleaded guilty in August 2017 to the felonies of first-degree forcible rape and first-degree statutory sodomy (two counts), Steven McWhirter subsequently was ordered to serve three life sentences, Stoddard County Prosecuting Attorney Russ Oliver said in a news release. Two of McWhirter’s sentences were to be served consecutively.

In pleading guilty, McWhirter, now 40, reportedly admitted to crimes involving a child that occurred in February 2017 and February 2012 in Advance.

In March 2018, McWhirter sought post-conviction relief through a motion to vacate and set aside his sentences.

McWhirter, Oliver said, claimed “his plea was involuntary because of ineffective assistance of counsel, but the judge clearly disagree,” in denying his motion.

Prior to Circuit Judge Benjamin Lewis’ recent ruling, Oliver said, lengthy court proceedings were held in Cape Girardeau County during which he sought to keep McWhirter’s life sentences in place.

A “full evidentiary hearing was held” before Lewis, who “ruled that the three life sentences should remain against the defendant,” Oliver said.

“McWhirter is the most dangerous type of child predator,” Oliver said. “I could not be more pleased that McWhirter will certainly remain in prison until he dies and never have access to any other child.”

Oliver said there is “no joy” in any case like this, but there is “solace in the fact that while we can not undo the trauma done to this child, this sentence guarantees that no other child will ever suffer at the hands of the defendant.”