Okaloosa County Man Sentenced to Life After Second-Degree Murder Conviction

Okaloosa County, Fla. (BuzzReport) — A jury in Okaloosa County has found Jerrish Stephens guilty of second-degree murder, resulting in a mandatory life sentence under Florida law.

The verdict was returned on February 26, 2026, following a trial presided over by Judge Lacey Clark. In addition to the guilty verdict, jurors determined that Stephens qualified as a prison releasee reoffender, requiring an immediate sentence of life in prison.

The conviction stems from a violent incident on December 15, 2021. According to investigators, deputies responded to a reported stabbing at 205 Mountain Drive, where they discovered Gregory Lacey lying in a parking lot suffering from multiple stab wounds. Lacey was pronounced dead at the scene.

The investigation was conducted by the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Prosecutors presented evidence and testimony linking Stephens to the fatal stabbing.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant State Attorney Robert Little on behalf of Ginger Bowden Madden, State Attorney for Florida’s First Judicial Circuit.

Officials said the life sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the jury’s finding regarding Stephens’ reoffender status.