Capital Murder Trial Begins Monday

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Reporter: By Paul Gately
Email Address: paul.gately@kwtx.com

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(June 15, 2008)-- Stephen Dean Hogankamp, 24, of Copperas Cove, is scheduled to go on trial for capital murder Monday in Gatesville in the death of another Cove man.

The body of 71-year-old Kenneth Eugene Smith was found in the bedroom of his burned out home at 1919 Pleasant Lane Oct. 1, 2006, after firefighters extinguished the flames that engulfed the residence.

Investigators said at the time they believed the fire was set intentionally to cover up Smith's death.

An autopsy performed at the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science, in Dallas, resulted in a finding of homicide.

Smith was listed on the Texas Department of Public Safety's website as a sex offender.

Smith's niece, Terryl Henderson, of Pratt, Kan., said her uncle had lived alone since his wife died on Thanksgiving Day in 2005 and was particular about whom he allowed to enter his home.

Hogankamp has long held that he killed Smith because the elder man had sexually assaulted him.

Hogankamp has been jailed in lieu of $1 million bond since he was arrested.

Jury selection is scheduled to take place at Gatesville City Auditorium because the 52nd District Courtroom is under construction.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Connie Location: Mentor, Ohio on Jun 17, 2008 at 08:10 PM
Let me tell you about the REAL Stephen, I have known and loved and still love this man for 3 years now. he is the most gentle caring man I know. If I EVER thought he was a threat or a violent man, I would not have let him live with me in my home or let him be around or babysit my now 7 year old daughter. Susiebw needs to shut her mouth up. I believe Stephen about Smith trying to sexually assault him. Smith was a sex offender and should have been locked up for a long time.

Posted by: Sandi Location: Waco on Jun 16, 2008 at 01:01 PM
How dumb can you people be? Susiebw, he may be 24 now, but WHAT IF the assault was when he was a minor, or to young and small to defend himself? That was a stupid comment and it was posted so people could make fun of you...Be a little more open minded before making comments so you don't come across as ignorant.

Posted by: me Location: central tx. on Jun 16, 2008 at 09:21 AM
I Knew both parties: Stephan and Smith. Smith was a homosexual & a pedifile. Stephan is a good person and works hard. Stephan is not an innocent by any meens,and does deserve to be punished. His punishment should be mansloughter NOT murder.My prayers are with mr.Smiths Family and Stephens.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 16, 2008 at 09:14 AM
Rumors from this town say that this man had been doing this to kids for years...hence the registered sex offender maybe this happened to him when he was a kid and it messed up his head and thats why he did this...thats why sex offenders should be locked away forever!!

Posted by: susiebw Location: kempner on Jun 16, 2008 at 07:26 AM
How did a 71 year old man sexually assault a 24 year old man who looks to be muscular? Two punks in Lampasas pulled the same thing, beat a guy to death and said he made sexual advances to them, and got off. Wouldn't it be easier not to hang out with someone like that?

Posted by: Dee Location: Belton on Jun 15, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Wow, I guess he didn't believe in the judicial system.

Posted by: Re Location: Waco on Jun 15, 2008 at 09:41 PM
So, Hogankamp killed Smith because he supossedly sexually assaulted him?? Why didn't he just turn him in? I think Hoagnkamp had other reasons..maybe none. I smell BS...Hogankamp should be convicted to the fullest extent of the law

Posted by: Martin Location: okinawa japan on Jun 15, 2008 at 06:36 PM
This is the best news network in the world.

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