In the spring of 2014, the life of 32-year-old Steven M. Sims was brought to an abrupt and violent end in Green Bay, Wisconsin. On the evening of April 17th, Sims was fatally shot at a residence on Stuart Street, a confrontation that would later unravel a complex story of conflict and claims of self-defense. The man responsible for the shooting was identified as 23-year-old Terry L. Shepard.
The incident stemmed from an altercation that escalated with tragic consequences.
Shepard maintained that he acted in self-defense, alleging that Sims had forced his way into the home and presented a threat. This claim would become a central point in the ensuing legal battle. Following the shooting, Shepard fled the scene, sparking a three-month investigation that culminated in his arrest in Kenosha, where he had connections with friends and family. At the time of the incident, Shepard was already on probation for a prior felony, which legally prohibited him from possessing a firearm.
Initially facing a charge of first-degree intentional homicide, Shepard’s defense argued the self-defense angle, which led to a reduction in the charges. Ultimately, he was found guilty of second-degree reckless homicide, second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. For these crimes, he was sentenced to 15 years in prison, to be followed by 20 years of extended supervision. Shepard's legal troubles did not end there, as he also faced separate charges in Racine County for robbery, false imprisonment, and strangulation from an unrelated incident.
