2017 Monkey Junction murder case goes to trial

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The murder trial for Aaron Stephens began Monday. He is the suspect in a fatal shooting that happened in the Monkey Junction area in March of 2017.

Stephens is accused of fatally shooting Terry Greenwood and stabbing Anthony Lanza, in his neighborhood on Julia Drive. The trial started Monday, and on Wednesday a friend of Stephens testified.  Judge Joshua Willey is the presiding judge. Audio from 911 calls were played, and Stephens’ friend recalled the moments prior to the incident and what led to the call.

On Thursday, a New Hanover County detective took to the stand as multiple forms of evidence were presented to Judge Joshua Willey and the jury. The evidence presented included items from the deceased victim, and suspect Stephens.

An autopsy showed Greenwood was stabbed eight times and shot in the face, and Lanza was stabbed several times in the chest.