Kansas man sentenced for killing 23-year-old nursing student in 1980 cold case

GREAT BEND, Kan. (TCN) -- A man will spend 10 to 25 years behind bars for killing his 23-year-old neighbor more than 44 years ago.

The Barton County Sheriff's Office announced the sentencing of Steven Hanks last week in connection with the death of Mary Walter. Hanks was arrested in December 2022 for second-degree murder, and a plea agreement was reached in August. Under the 1980 Kansas statutes, the agreed sentence was between five and 25 years, but a judge imposed a sentence of 10 to 25 years. Hanks remains in custody and will be transferred to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

According to the sheriff's office, Walter's body was found in her home with multiple gunshot wounds on Jan. 24, 1980. At the scene, authorities recovered a 22-caliber handgun used to kill Walter. She attended Barton County Community College as a nursing student and was married with one child, KAKE-TV reports.

Investigators developed suspects and conducted interviews but found no conclusive evidence. Investigators identified Hanks as a possible suspect early on. He was reportedly 25 years old at the time.

The case remained unsolved for decades but was reopened in 2022. According to the sheriff's office, investigators organized hundreds of documents that had been collected over 40 years. Some of the files had reportedly been missing or were incomplete.

Officials re-examined and tested evidence for DNA, but no DNA was found. According to the sheriff's office, investigators also conducted multiple interviews. Deputies noted that many of the witnesses and law enforcement officials who initially worked on the case had died.

Sheriff Brian Bellendir reportedly said, "After taking a fresh look at the case, it became evident that some information had been initially overlooked and some had been added at a later date. This was unknown to the original investigators."

Authorities presented an affidavit to the District Court and issued a warrant for Hanks' arrest in December 2022.

In a statement, the sheriff's office said they "believe this is the oldest cold case in the State of Kansas to be solved and result in a conviction."

According to records, Hanks was previously convicted of aggravated robbery, aggravated battery, and attempted rape.