In the west end of Louisville, on a Christmas Eve afternoon, the life of 20-year-old Dante Newsome was tragically cut short. On December 24, 2012, on the porch of a residence at 40th and Market streets, Newsome was shot multiple times in the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. He was a graduate of Shawnee High School. As police began their investigation, distraught family and friends arrived at the location, faced with the sudden and violent loss of their loved one.
The
investigation into the shooting revealed that it stemmed from an attempted robbery. According to police reports, 19-year-old Steven L. Thompson, Jr. pulled a handgun on Newsome in an attempt to rob him. As Newsome tried to get away, Thompson allegedly shot him several times. There were five other people inside the home at the time of the shooting, and police indicated that stray bullets entered the residence, endangering their lives. After the incident, Thompson reportedly fled the scene and attempted to discard his clothing to hide his identity.
Following tips from the community, police arrested Steven L. Thompson, Jr. on January 8, 2013. He was taken into custody at the Judicial Center where he was present on an unrelated charge. Thompson was charged with murder, robbery, tampering with physical evidence, and multiple counts of wanton endangerment. His bond was set at $500,000. Witnesses were able to identify Thompson as the individual who shot and killed Dante Newsome.
