From The Tribune staff reports
TRUSSVILLE – The teenager charged with capital murder in the shooting death of fellow Hewitt-Trussville classmate and football teammate was released from the Jefferson County Jail after posting property bond.
Stephen Chase Lafoy, 17, was released after posting a $500,000 property bond.
Property bond is when a defendant is released on bond by having at least one or more property owners that own property in the state of Alabama, execute or become bond or surety for the defendant. The property and the property owners must meet certain requirements, including a value of the property being at least the amount of the bond.
In addition, Lafoy’s hearing has been set at a later date as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Lafoy is charged with the death of Trent Thomas Parkerson, 18, on April 1, 2020. The shooting occurred around 3:30 a.m. outside of a home in the 7600 block of Happy Hollow Road.
Detective Ben Short said that the Lafoy called 911 and reported the shooting. Upon arrival to the scene, police discovered Parkerson, 18, dead inside a locked vehicle that was in gear.
Detectives said Lafoy and Parkerson, who were friends, got into a physical altercation over a theft that had occurred. They believe Parkerson was attempting to leave when he was shot with a rifle.
Lafoy was taken into custody and police said he cooperated with detectives handling the investigation.
Both teens were students at Hewitt-Trussville High School. They were also teammates on the varsity football team.
Parkerson was a senior defensive end for the Hewitt-Trussville football team this past season. He played in eight games and recorded eight total tackles. He was also a member of the varsity wrestling team.
“We are devastated and deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Trent Parkerson, a member of our Husky football family,” Hewitt-Trussville football head coach Josh Floyd said in a statement. “We are praying for the families impacted by this tragedy. Our coaches have reached out to the other members of our team and are committed to working with them through the grieving process. We encourage the entire Trussville community to look for our ways to support the Parkerson family in any way possible.”
Trussville City Schools Superintendent Dr. Pattie Neill responded to the death with a statement.
“It is sad to hear of any loss of life, and our sadness deepens when students are involved,” Neill said. “Our hearts go out to the families of both of these students and to all of their classmates during this time.”