Man sentenced after 2021 axe killing of ex-girlfriend in Shawnee County

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Scranton man found guilty of killing a local woman in 2021 has received his sentence on Friday.

The Shawnee County District Attorney's Office announced on Dec. 6 that Jon K. Ewing has been sentenced to life in prison along with an additional 344 months in prison for other crimes in connection to the death of Deborah Ann Stephens three years ago. His charges included:

• Reckless second degree murder.
• Murder in the first degree.
• Aggravated kidnapping.
• Aggravated burglary of a dwelling.
• Criminal threat.
• Interference with law enforcement.

Deputies were called around 5:30 p.m. on April 27, 2021, to the 800 block of Southwest 57th Street in Topeka, according to court documents. Law enforcement was told initially that a woman was in the area who was not breathing.

Shawnee County deputies arrived at the scene, making contact with Ewing, and locating Stephens inside of a trailer. She was declared dead at the scene by responding firefighters who found she was missing a large amount of flesh from her face. Firefighters reported finding dogs eating part of Stephens' body when they arrived.

Ewing, an ex-boyfriend of Stephens, gave different accounts to law enforcement of how Stephens had a medical emergency prior to deputies arriving at the scene, according to court documents. However, video from a home security camera showed Ewing approach her from behind and begin attacking her first with a broom handle before switching to a flashlight. Ewing could be seen using an axe on Stephens before taking her inside of the trailer.

Deputies with the sheriff's office later arrested Ewing in connection to Stephens' death. The Shawnee County District Attorney's office charged Ewing with first-degree murder on April 29, 2021. He was later found competent enough to stand trial and was found guilty of several crimes on Feb. 17, 2023.

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