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Stand Our Ground: The Deanna Stevison Case
Stand Our Ground: The Deanna Stevison Case
Author: Kiah Penfield
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© Kiah Penfield
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My cousin was murdered in 2017. The police know who did it, but the case has never gone to court. Why? The perpetrators used Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” defense, a controversial law which was amended the day after the murder occurred to make it an easier defense to claim. What really happened that night? Who pulled the trigger? Was the case fully investigated?
Join me as I attempt to find some answers about what happened to Deanna Stevison and why.
My cousin was murdered in 2017. The police know who did it, but the case has never gone to court. Why? The perpetrators used Florida’s “Stand Your Ground” defense, a controversial law which was amended the day after the murder occurred to make it an easier defense to claim. What really happened that night? Who pulled the trigger? Was the case fully investigated?
Join me as I attempt to find some answers about what happened to Deanna Stevison and why.
27 Episodes
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Join Kiah as she continues to investigate what happened to Deanna Stevison on June 8, 2017. In this episode, she discusses new insights from Deanna's correspondence with ex-partner Meghan, who is no longer considered to be connected to the mysterious packages linked to the case. Kiah extends an apology for any prior misconceptions. The episode wraps up with Kiah confronting the actions of an internet figure sending those packages, and establishing firm boundaries for future interactions.
In this episode of "Stand Our Ground," host Kiah delves into the investigation of her cousin Deanna Stevison's murder with the aim to shed light on the evidence, advocating for the case's reexamination, not vigilante justice. The episode explores legal concepts, the effects of alcohol, and the importance of a thorough understanding of Deanna's death, incorporating legal, scientific, and expert perspectives to encourage a critical look at the case.
In this episode of "Stand Our Ground," host Kiah Penfield continues her investigation into her cousin Deanna Stevison's murder. She examines evidence like bullet casings and wounds, discussing a Beretta bite on a suspect's hand and the absence of blood on the gun. Kiah speculates on the shooting sequence and the potential for premeditation, considering the roles of other individuals. She invites listeners to share theories that fit the evidence and updates on the "Extinguished" podcast's series on the case.
This brief bonus episode is my emergency PSA on the suspicious packages that some individuals have been getting in association with Deanna’s case. If you receive a suspicious package, please file a police report and feel free to send me a screenshot of the package. I want to reiterate and emphasize that these actions mean that someone must be feeling very scared and pressured with the attention this case is getting. Please do not stop supporting justice for Deanna. This will not stop me. This will not stop us. This will not stop justice.
In this episode of "Stand Our Ground," host Kiah Penfield completes her interview with her guest Morgan, Deanna Stevison's sister. Together, they delve into the investigation of Deanna's murder and the perceived shortcomings of the police work. They discuss the impact on their family and their dissatisfaction with law enforcement's handling of the case. They also touch on the evidence they've uncovered themselves, including suspicious phone activity and untested DNA, and express frustration over the lack of transparency and thoroughness in the investigation. The episode includes a call to action for listeners with information to come forward and help in seeking justice for Deanna.
Join us in this episode as we continue to dissect the perplexing relationship of Deanna and Meghan. We explore how text messages between the two paint a different picture leading up to the tragic events in June 2017 than the one told in Meghan's police interview.
Digging into the evidence, we present an enhanced 911 call from inside the apartment, capturing the raw audio of the fatal incident. Surprisingly absent from the official records, this audio raises questions about the thoroughness of the police investigation.
We also highlight a text message from Deanna expressing concern to her mother about Meghan plotting to reclaim the house. Listen to the email Deanna sent to Meghan, an overlooked element that establishes a crucial paper trail left behind by the victim.
This episode sheds light on the discrepancies in Meghan's narrative, prompting us to reexamine the details surrounding Deanna's untimely end.
Our final episode going through the text messages between Deanna and Meghan in the weeks leading up to Deanna's murder seems to show that Meghan was willing to try again. We also find out why Meghan thought she would get money when Deanna died and finally have proof to support the letter theory!
In this episode, we will continue diving through Deanna Stevison and Meghan Wojdyla (now Meghan Plunkett)'s text messages from the months leading up to Deanna's death. You'll also hear never-before-heard audio from one of the 911 calls, including the gunshots and the yelling between them. We can't wait to hear your thoughts on the call!
Note: This episode contains a large amount of explicit language.
In this episode, we start diving into the text messages between Meghan Wojdyla (now Meghan Plunkett) and Deanna Stevison in the months before Deanna was killed. Next episode, we will continue going through the text messages and soon we'll talk about what I uncovered in one of the 911 calls!
In this episode, Kiah discusses several other “Stand Your Ground” cases in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties and how why self-defense was or was not permitted as a defense. She also outlines what to expect as we approach the end of Season 2. Be sure to also check out Kiah’s new podcast “Generation Burnout!”
In this episode of "Stand Our Ground," host Kiah Penfield speaks with Morgan about the life and tragic murder of Morgan's sister, Deanna Stevison. Morgan reminisces about Deanna's nurturing role in her life and the nature of Deanna's relationship with her partner, Meghan. The discussion reveals Deanna's premonitions about her safety and the family's dissatisfaction with the investigation into her death, highlighting perceived systemic failures and overlooked evidence, such as suspicious text messages. The episode paints a picture of loss, love, and a quest for justice.
In the final episode of season 1, we recap what we’ve learned so far and what we’re going to cover in our next season when we return from winter hiatus.
In this episode, we discuss the bullet casings found at the scene and how the evidence relates to Deanna's case. Is it possible that a bullet ricocheted and hit Deanna? Are Deanna's gunshot wounds consistent with ricochet wounds?
Gunshot wound information sourced from The University of Utah Eccles Health Sciences Library's Internet Pathology Laboratory for Medical Education.
In this episode, we look at Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law, what it says, how it changed the day after Deanna's death, and what it could mean for Deanna's case.
Listen to Kiah on Phantom Electric Ghost podcast here.
References:
2016 Florida Statutes Title XLVI, Chapter 776, Sections 776.012, 776.013, and 776.032
2023 Florida Statutes Title XLVI, Chapter 776, Sections 776.012, 776.013, and 776.032
"Recent Changes to the Florida Stand You Ground Law" by the Law Offices of Robert David Malove
"What is Florida's 'Stand Your Ground' Law? Here are Five Questions (and Answers) to Explain" by Rachael Thomas
"Florida Supreme Court Rules 2017 Stand Your Ground Law Change is No Retroactive" by Josh Solomon and Kathryn Varn
This episode contains a redacted version of the police interview with witness *Kelsey*, who shares that Amy and Meghan Plunkett claimed that Deanna “wanted to die.”
In this episode, we discuss Investigator Jimmie Tatum and my concerns with how he ran the investigation. This episode includes some comments about Deanna that may be difficult to listen to, made by the investigator himself. This episode also features Tanner Condon as the voice of the investigative report, and a police interview with *Kelsie* (pseudonym). Some audio from Ollie Jane’s police interview is also used and video footage from the front dash cam is referenced.
This bonus episode features my response to the Nov. 10, 2023 TruRed Crime YouTube video about my cousin’s case. I address the inaccuracies in the video and the missing parts of the police interviews. Please share wherever you see the YouTube episode posted!
In this episode, we look into the timeline of the house that is at the center of this case, including the court case that allowed Meghan Wojdyla (now Meghan Plunkett) to assume full ownership of the house--which she and Amy Plunkett now live in together.
Special thanks to voice actor Loki Cockrill!
Sources Include:
Police interview with witness "Kelsey"
Personal email
Interview with Griner
Restraining order filing
Facebook posts by Deanna
Court case and property tax receipts for the Cantonment home bought by Deanna and Meghan
Personal phone call with Deanna's mom, my Aunt Sheila
This episode features the second half of my interview with Griner, Deanna’s friend and coworker, and the last person to see her before she left for the Fairfield apartments where she was killed. In this episode, we discuss Deanna’s drinking that night, why Griner thinks Deanna left that morning, and some of what he knows of Deanna and Meghan’s relationship.
I speak with Griner, a friend and coworker of Deanna’s who was with her the night of June 7 and morning of June 8, before she left for the Fairfield apartments. He will share his memories of Deanna’s last night. Subscribe to the podcast to receive access to the full interview once I’m done editing it.




