by A Michigan woman has been sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal murder of her husband nearly two decades ago in Van Buren County.
Linda Stermer, 60, was convicted for a second time after setting her husband on fire and running over him with a van in 2007. The latest ruling follows years of legal back-and-forth, including a successful appeal and retrial.
What Happened
In January 2007, Todd Stermer was found severely burned outside his home in Van Buren County.
Prosecutors argued that Linda Stermer doused him in gasoline, set him on fire, and then ran over his body with a van.
The incident occurred just one day after Todd discovered Linda was having an extramarital affair.
Key Details
- Initial Conviction: Stermer was originally convicted in 2010.
- Appeal & Retrial: In 2020, a federal appeals court granted her a new trial due to ineffective legal counsel.
- Second Conviction: In May 2025, she was again found guilty and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
- Defense Claim: Stermer maintained that the fire was accidental, citing burning oil lamps and candles in the home.
Judge Jeffrey Sutton, during the appeal process, dismissed the accident theory, saying, “All that was missing… was a film of the mariticide.”
Reactions or Statements
Judge Kathleen Brickley delivered a harsh rebuke during sentencing.
“Murder is by definition a monstrous deed,” she said. “But the crime you’ve committed is more heinous than most.”
Stermer, speaking in court, insisted she was wrongly convicted.
“While I stand before you, innocent and wrongfully convicted, I’m prepared for the battle ahead,” she told the jury.
Investigation or What’s Next
After nearly two decades of legal battles, Stermer is now back in prison to serve her no-parole sentence.
No further appeals have been announced, though her final statement suggests she may continue to fight the conviction.
FAQs
Who is Linda Stermer?
A Michigan woman convicted of murdering her husband in 2007 in Van Buren County.
What was she accused of doing?
Prosecutors said she set her husband on fire and then drove a van over him.
Has she been convicted before?
Yes, she was first convicted in 2010, won an appeal in 2020, and was reconvicted in 2025.
Why was the case retried?
A federal appeals court ruled her defense attorney had failed to challenge the arson evidence properly.
Is she eligible for parole?
No. She was sentenced to life in prison without parole.
Summary / Final Takeaway
Linda Stermer’s case marks one of Michigan’s most chilling domestic murder trials in recent memory.
Despite her insistence on innocence, a jury once again found her guilty of her husband’s brutal death.
With a life sentence now in place, Stermer begins what could be the final chapter in a long, controversial legal saga.
