Neighbors say Stone Mountain man who slapped toddler a harmless loner

By Christian Boone

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

As Roger Stephens languishes behind bars, his neighbors say they don’t recognize the monster portrayed in the media.

Those who knew him, at least. David and Joanne Wilson have lived two doors down from Stephens for more than a decade but say they never met the man accused of slapping a crying toddler in a Stone Mountain Wal-Mart on Monday.

“People mainly keep to themselves here,” said David Wilson, who was unaware of his neighbor’s newfound infamy.

Those who did interact with Stephens offered nearly uniform accounts: Reserved, polite, didn’t bother anyone. If anything, there was pity for the 61-year-old, who lived alone, had few visitors and was currently unemployed.

But none of his neighbors really knew him. No one could say where he was from, or where he had previously worked.

He has few relatives in the metro Atlanta area, and none have consented to interview requests.

His only companion was a stray cat he used to feed. Neighbors say Stephens suspected the cat was killed by some kids who sometimes teased him.

“He kept food out for my cat, which I didn’t want him to do,” said Jon Colwell, 29, who lives across the street. “I didn’t want my cat crossing the street because he’s blind. I’d ask [Stephens] not to do it, he’d say ‘okay,’ and then he’d do it again.”

Their interactions were random and brief.

“He never came out during the day,” Colwell said. “He’s a little bit off. Weirdo.”

Stephens’ home is unassuming and unkempt. The grass needs a trim and the driveway is covered with pine needles. A couple of large trees shroud his bungalow, painted a pale yellow.

“The school bus stops right in front of his house,” said Maggie Maccoon, who lives a few doors down. “But he’s never caused any problems.”

Most of his neighbors say they were appalled by his behavior at the Wal-Mart, but the admonitions aren’t unanimous.

One neighbor said Stephens did what many other people wished they could do when bothered by a misbehaving child.

Stephens is paying a hefty price, ordered to remain locked up in the Gwinnett County Detention Center until his next court appearance, Sept. 8.

He has declined interviews with reporters, and a jail representative said Stephens has not had visitors.

His court-appointed attorney has also refused comment.

Sonya Mathews, the mother of the 2-year-old child, told police that both were walking in the aisles of the Rockbridge Road store when Stephens approached and said “if you don’t shut that baby up, I will shut her up for you,” according to a police report.

A few moments later, in another aisle, Stephens grabbed the 2-year-old and slapped her across the face four or five times, according to the report.

Stephens then told Mathews, “See, I told you I would shut her up,” according to the report.

The 2-year-old victim sustained slight redness to the face, according to the report.

Stephens is charged with felony cruelty to children. Bond was denied.