Lawson found guilty of First-Degree Murder in death of Fayette County teenager
HINTON, WV (WVNS) — Steven Lawson was found guilty of First-Degree Murder by a Summers County jury for the murder of 17-year-old Azareyiah Mitchell.
Steven Lawson takes the stand in his own defense
Angie Mitchell ran from the courtroom as Lawson testified about dismembering her daughter’s body. Later, she spoke about seeing Lawson brought to justice.
It’s not going to bring my daughter back. It’s not going to change what they did to her. She was an amazing person. She was loved by so many people.
Angie Mitchell | The victim’s mother
The victim’s aunt, Amber Mitchell, also spoke for the family.
You know, he’ll be off the streets, and we don’t have to worry about other little girls like this, about him getting hold of other little girls. Just keep your loved ones close, and any domestic violence or anything, get them away.
Amber Mitchell | The victim’s aunt
Azareyiah Mitchell went missing on September 30, 2020, and various law enforcement agencies looked for the Oak Hill teen for more than two months. However, it was not until December 1, 2020 that Mitchell’s body was discovered in Georgia.
Not long after the discovery of Mitchell’s body, Steven Lawson and his alleged co-conspirator Jalesea Bass were arrested in Georgia.
In August 2022, Bass pleaded guilty to charges involving helping to hide the 17-year-old’s body, and in June 2023 Lawson was charged with First-Degree Murder relating to the death of Azareyiah Mitchell.
Lead investigator in Lawson murder trial takes the stand on day three
Steven Lawson described what he told Jalesea Bass, his co-conspirator, moments after he’d fired a shot, ending Azareyiah’s life.
I’m trying to tell her, like, ‘Rae…I mean, Ja, Rae is, Rae is dead.’ She’s like I know, I know. I’m like, ‘No, Ja, seriously, Rae is dead. I’m trying to prepare her for the scene. I’m preparing myself for the scene at this point.
Steven Lawson
Jurors did not recommend mercy and also returned guilty verdicts on additional charges: child abuse resulting in death, concealment of a dead body and conspiracy to commit concealment of a dead body.
The jury deliberated just around an hour.
Despite delays, Summers County Prosecuting Attorney Kristin Cook secured the guilty verdict for the death of Azareyiah Mitchell on March 15, 2024.
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