February 12, 2016
WORCESTER – Steven D. West, found guilty of first-degree murder in the 2012 asphyxiation death of his then-wife’s twin sister, was sentenced today to life in prison without parole, according to Worcester County District Attorney Joseph D. Early Jr.
Mr. West, 24, raped and murdered Alyssa A. Haden, 20, on Oct. 10, 2012. The murder occurred in the apartment at 14 Pleasant St., Spencer, they shared with his then-wife, Caitlin, and their infant son.
Victim impact statements from Caitlin Haden and her mother Sherry McWhorter were read into the record by Assistant District Attorney Brett F. Dillon before Judge Janet Kenton-Walker pronounced the sentence.
Mr. West first told investigators that Miss Haden was killed by gang members from his native Indiana, then claimed another man was responsible and gave other inconsistent statements about her death. An autopsy determined that she died from asphyxia caused by compression of her face, neck and chest. Mr. West weighed more than 400 pounds at the time of the murder.