Today, Sheriff Judd announced that 18-year-old Elijah Stansell is being charged with first degree murder in the death of 52-year-old Suzette Penton of Polk City. He has been in the Polk County Jail since November 9th for attempted felony murder, 3 counts contributing to the delinquency of a minor, burglary with assault, and lewd & lascivious battery on a minor. He was being held on no bond for the attempted felony murder charge, which is now being upgraded to first degree murder.
You can hear Sheriff Judd’s comments on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/polkcountysheriff.
Elijah, driving a church van belonging to his father’s church, intentionally ran over and critically injured Ms. Penton on November 9, 2020. The van had 3 other teens inside – they have all been charged as adults, with attempted felony murder and burglary with assault.
Ms. Penton succumbed to her injuries on November 25, 2020.
