Felony Murder Charges Against McDaniel Stand, Case Heads to Grand Jury

Today, Judge William Shurling ruled Bibb County District Attorney Greg Winters meant the ‘burden of proof’ in charging 25 year old Stephen McDaniel with the  felony murder of 27 year old Mercer Law grad Lauren Giddings.

It took Judge Shurling a little more than an hour to hear arguments from both sides before reaching his decision.

Only one person took the stand at Friday’s hearing, lead detective in the Giddings’ murder, David Patterson.

Winters asked Patterson if police found any substantial evidence in McDaniel’s apartment during one of many searches since June 30th.

He stated police did, ” Yes, a master key to all of the apartments, an actual key to Lauren Giddings’ apartment, and a hacksaw package.”

Patterson said although McDaniel allowed police to search his apartment he appeared nervous.