Lincoln man accused of killing couple and unborn baby seeks to avoid death penalty

Sterling James files motion to declare death penalty statutes unconstitutional

Apr. 14, 2026 at 10:42pm

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A 24-year-old Lincoln man accused of killing a Stromsburg couple and their unborn child is seeking to avoid the death penalty. Sterling James has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree murder of an unborn child, and tampering with evidence. His attorneys have filed a motion to quash and declare the death penalty statutes unconstitutional.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty, with the defense arguing it is unconstitutional while prosecutors are seeking the harshest possible sentence. It also raises questions about the rights of the unborn child and how such cases are handled legally.

The details

According to court records, James's attorneys must provide a brief in support of the motion to quash by April 21. The state's brief in opposition is due on April 28, and the defendant's reply is due May 5. James's wife, Sayde Titus, was also arrested and charged with accessory to murder and tampering with evidence for allegedly helping James hide the bodies. Four more people were arrested and charged in the investigation.

  • The murders occurred in April 2026.
  • James's attorneys filed the motion to quash the death penalty on April 14, 2026.
  • The briefs in support and opposition of the motion are due in late April and early May 2026.

The players

Sterling James

A 24-year-old Lincoln man accused of killing a Stromsburg couple and their unborn child. He is charged with two counts of first-degree murder, first-degree murder of an unborn child, and tampering with evidence.

Sayde Titus

James's 22-year-old wife, who was arrested and charged with two counts of accessory to murder, one count of accessory to murder of an unborn child, and tampering with evidence for allegedly helping James hide the bodies.

Hannah Neville

The 32-week pregnant Stromsburg woman who was killed, along with her husband Roberto Tanner.

Roberto Tanner

The Stromsburg man who was killed, along with his pregnant wife Hannah Neville.

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What’s next

The judge will hear arguments on James's motion to quash the death penalty in late April and early May 2026, with a decision expected shortly after.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate around the death penalty, with the defense arguing it is unconstitutional while prosecutors seek the harshest possible sentence. It also raises complex legal questions around the rights of unborn children and how such cases should be handled.