How long was Steven Leslie Sentenced to prison? 5 years to life 10 years to life 20 years to life 17 years to life
The correct answer and explanation is:
Steven Leslie (full name Steven Leslie Stanaland) was sentenced to life in prison, with no possibility of parole.
This refers to Steven Leslie, also known as Steven Leslie Stanaland Jr., who was convicted for the fatal shooting of Jesse “Pee Wee” Whitley on January 10, 1991, in St. Augustine, Florida. According to inmate records and crime reporting:
- He was charged and pled guilty to capital murder in connection with the 1991 slaying.
- On May 24, 2011, he received a life without the possibility of parole sentence (LWOP)
🧩 Explanation (300 words)
Steven Leslie Stanaland’s case stems from the tragic murder of 19-year-old Jesse “Pee Wee” Whitley, who was shot and killed in St. Augustine, Florida, on January 10, 1991. Investigators worked for nearly two decades before charging Stanaland. When he was finally brought to trial, he was convicted of capital murder—a charge requiring proof of premeditation.
From the documentation:
- The original offense occurred in 1991, but Stanaland was not sentenced until May 24, 2011.
- The court records list his sentencing as “SENTENCED TO LIFE”, and inmate details confirm life without parole
A life sentence with “no possibility of parole” is the strictest punishment short of the death penalty. It means Stanaland will remain incarcerated for the rest of his life. The conviction essentially removes any chance for release, reflecting both the severity of the crime and the legal system’s response to capital murder cases in Florida.
While the sentencing took place decades after the crime, that’s not uncommon. Cold cases—especially those involving murder—can take years of investigation. Once located, a suspect may be arrested and tried long after the crime occurred, as was the case here.
So when asking, “How long was Steven Leslie sentenced to prison? 5 years to life, 10 years to life, 20 years to life, or 17 years to life?”, the answer is clearly none of those ranges apply. Instead, it was a straight life sentence with no chance of parole, meaning life imprisonment.
In summary:
- Offense: Murder of Jesse Whitley, January 10, 1991
- Conviction: Capital murder (Florida)
- Sentence date: May 24, 2011
- Sentence: Life in prison, no parole (LWOP)