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Thread: Byron James Shepard - Oklahoma Death Row

  1. #11
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    Day 2: Trial in Tecumseh officer’s death continues

    By Kim Morava
    Shawnee News Star

    An exchange of text messages was among the testimony and evidence presented Wednesday as the trial for a woman accused of second degree murder in the death of a Tecumseh police officer continues in Pottawatomie County.

    A jury of six men and six women, along with two alternates, is hearing the trial of Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 24, before District Judge John G. Canavan Jr.

    During Tuesday’s opening arguments, District 21 Prosecutor Pattye High read the charges to the jury, outlining that Williams is accused, on or about March 26, 2017, of engaging in the felony offense of harboring a fugitive and concealing Byron James Shepard, a person she knew to be a fugitive from justice.

    While she was in the commission of that felony, charges allege Shepard, 37, who was the passenger in a vehicle being driven by Williams and stopped by Officer Terney, fired a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol into the abdomen of the officer, causing mortal wounds.

    High told jurors that Officer Terney, at 22 years old, had been on the job as a Tecumseh police officer for just 192 days before he died.

    So far, the trial has included numerous law enforcement witnesses and the jury watching videos, including the dash camera video from Terney’s patrol car.

    The night of the traffic stop, Williams sat in the driver’s seat of the vehicle as her passenger, who had an outstanding felony warrant and was a fugitive with a gun, was outside of the vehicle giving Terney a false name, according to presented testimony.

    After Terney was shot, Williams told police she didn’t know who Shepard was and that she had just moved to Tecumseh a day earlier.

    Witnesses, including an Okfuskee County sheriff’s deputy, have already testified that Williams knew for weeks that Shepard was a fugitive being sought by authorities, and based on Wednesday’s text messages read in court, the two had an ongoing relationship and shared texts indicating a plan about establishing a residence together in Tecumseh.

    Some of the exchanged messages, many of them with expletives, were about law enforcement, with one message from Williams to Shepard sent just hours before Terney was shot. In that message, she warned Shepard there was a highway patrol trooper on SH 9, according to testimony.

    Prosecutors, during Wednesday’s testimony, referenced nearly 1,200 text messages as having some type of connection to this case.

    After the shooting that night, in which Officer Terney returned fire, Shepard was wounded and has since recovered. Shepard faces a first-degree murder charge in the officer’s death and has pleaded not guilty in his case.

    The prosecution will continue presenting its case in Williams’ trial on Thursday.

    https://www.news-star.com/news/20190...eath-continues
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  2. #12
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    Guilty verdict: Pott. County jury convicts woman in Tecumseh police officer’s death

    By Kim Morava
    Shawnee News Star

    A Pottawatomie County jury returned a guilty verdict Friday afternoon for a woman on trial for second degree murder in the death of Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney.

    The week-long trial of Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 24, began with jury selection Monday and was held before District Judge John G. Canavan Jr.

    With a courtroom gallery full of spectators, including about 30 law enforcement officers from many agencies, the jury heard instructions and final arguments Friday morning. After deliberating a little more than two hours, the jury of six men and six women returned with the guilty verdict early Friday afternoon.

    The jury has recommended Williams should serve 25 years in prison, but formal sentencing has been scheduled for March 13.

    Williams was accused, on or about March 26, 2017, of engaging in the felony offense of harboring a fugitive and concealing Byron James Shepard, a person she knew to be a fugitive from justice.

    While she was in the commission of that felony, charges allege Shepard, 37, who was the passenger in a vehicle being driven by Williams and stopped by Officer Terney, fired a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol into the abdomen of the officer, causing mortal wounds.

    During the trial, Prosecutor Pattye High told jurors that Officer Terney, at 22 years old, had been on the job as a Tecumseh police officer for just 192 days before he died.

    The trial included numerous law enforcement witnesses and the jury watching videos, including the dash camera video from Terney’s patrol car.

    Also entered into evidence were numerous text messages exchanged between Williams and Shepard.

    Larry Monard served as the defense attorney for Williams.

    District 21 Cleveland County prosecutors Pattye High and Travis White represented the state for this trial with assistance from local Investigator Anthony Lee. The prosecutors were appointed to the case after former District 23 Pottawatomie County District Attorney Richard Smothermon recused the office from this case.

    Shepard, who was shot and wounded by Terney the night of the traffic stop, recovered from his wounds and has been jailed in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center without bond on a first-degree murder charge.
    Shepard’s trial is expected in November.

    Williams is jailed in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center awaited formal sentencing.

    https://www.news-star.com/news/20190...officers-death
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  3. #13
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    Sentencing postponed for woman convicted in Tecumseh officer’s death

    By Kim Morava
    Shawnee News Star

    A woman convicted by a Pottawatomie County jury of second-degree murder for her role in the death of Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney was scheduled to be sentenced Wednesday but that hearing was rescheduled.

    After a week-long trial, a jury on Feb. 1 found Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 24, guilty of second-degree murder.

    Williams was accused, on or about March 26, 2017, of engaging in the felony offense of harboring a fugitive and concealing Byron James Shepard, a person she knew to be a fugitive from justice.

    While she was in the commission of that felony, charges allege Shepard, 37, who was the passenger in a vehicle being driven by Williams and stopped by Officer Terney, fired a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol into the abdomen of the officer, causing mortal wounds.

    Second-degree murder can be punishable by 10 years to life in prison; the jury has recommended a 25-year prison term. Sentencing is now scheduled Friday.

    https://www.news-star.com/news/20190...officers-death
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  4. #14
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    Woman sentenced to 25 years in Oklahoma officer's death


    By Associated Press

    SHAWNEE, Okla. — A woman convicted of second-degree murder in the 2017 shooting death of an Oklahoma police officer has been sentenced to 25 years in prison.

    Pottawatomie County court records indicate that 24-year-old Brooklyn Danielle Williams was found guilty on Feb. 1 in the March 26, 2017, death of 22-year-old Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney.

    Williams was convicted by a jury that recommended she serve 25 years in prison. She was formally sentenced on Friday.

    Williams was driving a car carrying 37-year-old Byron James Shepard when Terney stopped her for a traffic violation. Authorities say Shepard ran when Terney learned of an arrest warrant against him, and they shot each other. Terney died the following day.

    Shepard’s trial is scheduled for October. He’s charged with first-degree murder and has pleaded not guilty.

    https://montrealgazette.com/pmn/news...b-a46398b30d27
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  5. #15
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    Trial begins for man accused of killing Tecumseh officer; DA seeking death penalty

    By Cassandra Sweetman
    KFOR News

    POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - The capital murder trial for a man accused of killing a Tecumseh police officer is underway in Pottawatomie County.

    Byron Shepard declined to answer questions, remaining silent as he was led handcuffed into the courtroom Wednesday morning.

    Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

    He’s accused of killing 22-year-old Justin Terney in March 2017.

    Terney was a rookie officer working for the Tecumseh Police Department for just over six months.

    In opening statements, Cleveland County District Attorney Greg Mashburn, who is trying this case, explained to the jury how on March 26, 2017, Terney pulled over a vehicle that didn’t have a tag light.

    The driver, Brooklyn Williams, was driving on a suspended license.

    Shepard, her boyfriend was sitting in the passenger seat.

    Dashcam video shown in court shows Shepard lied about his name, then ran into the woods when Terney called him on it.

    Terney followed behind, with his backup, Asst. Chief Mike Mallinson not far behind.

    Mallinson took the stand Wednesday and was brought to tears recalling the chase into the pitch black field.

    Terney deployed his taser, then Shepard allegedly shot at the officer. Terney shot back and both were hit.

    Mallinson described going into tactical mode once he heard the gunshots ring out, turning off his flashlight, drawn to the injured men by their shouts.

    He said Terney’s final words after letting him know he hit Shepard were, “Mike, I think I’m going.”

    Terney died from his wounds at the hospital.

    “It’s especially tough for the assistant chief, Mike Mallinson,” said Chief Kidney. “He was there during the shooting that night beside Justin’s side as he was loaded onto the ambulance. To have to come in this morning and listen to his testimony, a very tough testimony having to relive that night. A very difficult situation.”

    It’s the second time many close to the case have had to sit through similar testimony. In February, Williams was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison for her role in Terney’s death.

    “Tecumseh police department, the family, are just ready to get this behind us so that the more healing can begin after the trial is over,” Chief Kidney said. “We do have to let the jurors know exactly what happened that night, and having to relive it and re-testify with it, we’re hoping that the healing’s going to be worth it.”

    This time around, the uniform and gear Terney was wearing in the courtroom were on display for the jurors so prosecutors could show the bullet holes where he was hit.

    “That was something that we did get a heads up on from the prosecution team, and I was really glad of that,” the chief said. “That would be something if you just got that sprung on you in the heat of the moment, that would have been tough to see.”

    Missing off of it on Wednesday was his nameplate, which Chief Kidney said he was buried in.

    Shepard’s court-appointed attorneys argued that while this was an awful thing to happen, Shepard didn’t want to kill Terney.

    His attorney pointed out that in the several minutes Shepard and Terney were standing near the car, Shepard had a gun concealed in his waistband the entire time.

    She said had he wanted to kill him, Shepard could have pulled it out and shot him anytime but he didn’t because he just wanted to get away.

    Testimony will continue Thursday morning in the Pottawatomie County Courthouse.

    https://kfor.com/2019/11/13/trial-be...death-penalty/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  6. #16
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    Prosecutors rest in trial of man in officer’s fatal shooting

    By Associated Press

    SHAWNEE, Okla. (AP) – Prosecutors have rested in the murder trial of a man charged in the fatal shooting of an Oklahoma police officer.

    The Oklahoman reports that prosecutors rested Friday in the first-degree murder trial of 38-year-old Byron James Shepard of Okemah for the March 2017 shooting death of 22-year-old Tecumseh officer Justin Terney.

    Defense attorneys say the shooting was unintentional. Prosecutors contend Shepard shot Terney in an effort to avoid going to jail.

    Authorities say Shepard was a passenger in a car stopped for a traffic violation and ran from the scene when Terney learned of an arrest warrant for Shepard.

    Authorities say the two eventually shot each other. Terney died the following day while Shepard recovered.

    Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.

    The defense is to begin presenting its case on Monday.

    https://kfor.com/2019/11/16/prosecut...atal-shooting/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  7. #17
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    Man found guilty of first-degree murder in 2017 deadly shooting of Tecumseh police officer

    By KOCO 5 News Staff

    POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. — A jury on Monday found a man guilty of first-degree murder in the killing of a Tecumseh police officer more than two years ago in Pottawatomie County.

    Prosecutors said Byron Shepard was a passenger in a vehicle that Tecumseh police Officer Justin Terney pulled over in March 2017. Shepard's girlfriend, Brooklyn Williams, was driving the vehicle.

    During the traffic stop, authorities said Shepard gave Terney a fake name and ran off into a wooded area, eventually shooting the police officer.

    "Central, I've been hit! Put your hands where I can see them! Central, I've been shot," Terney could be heard saying on dashboard cam video.

    Earlier this year, Williams was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison.

    The jury began deliberating Monday afternoon after closing arguments wrapped up.

    Prosecutors said they are seeking the death penalty for Shepard if the jury convicts him of first-degree murder.

    Formal sentencing is set to take place Tuesday.

    https://www.koco.com/article/jury-de...ficer/29834147
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  8. #18
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    Slain Tecumseh officer’s family urges death sentence in convicted killer’s trial

    By Cassandra Sweetman
    KFOR News

    POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - A murdered police officer’s family took the stand Tuesday, urging a jury to sentence the officer’s convicted killer to death.

    Byron Shepard was found guilty of Justin Terney’s murder Monday. Now prosecutors are arguing he should get the death sentence.

    District Attorney Greg Mashburn explained to the court he plans to prove four things he said aggravated this murder: that Terney was a police officer in the performance of his duties, that he was shot and killed to prevent a lawful arrest, that Shepard is a continued threat to society, and that when Shepard killed Terney, he had previously been convicted of a violent offense.

    “All four of those things are what we allege to prove that this was an aggravated murder and deserves the death penalty,” Mashburn said

    He called several witnesses who were victims of alleged violence done by Shepard in the past, including an ex-wife and an ex-girlfriend.

    The state also called a man who Shepard had allegedly lured into a garage and beaten with a metal pipe after finding out he had a relationship with Shepard’s wife at the time.

    “It’s important for the jury to understand his history and the reason why all of that goes to leading up to the murder,” Mashburn said. “And then that shows that he continues to be a continued threat to society.”

    Meanwhile, Shepard’s defense attorneys asked that the jurors have mercy and sympathy.

    Under their questioning, Shepard’s past romantic partners testified that he was the victim of abuse by a neglectful mother and some of his stepfathers, and that he was introduced to methamphetamine as a young teen by his mother’s friend.

    They also said in court that it was only when he was on drugs that he was violent or aggressive.

    But Tecumseh Police Chief J.R. Kidney is one of those in the courtroom who was not swayed by that testimony.

    “He had every opportunity by living with his grandparents to turn out to be a productive citizen,” Kidney said.

    Terney’s older siblings had jurors wiping away tears as they remembered their 22-year-old brother living out his lifelong dream to be a police officer. They described the scene of his death in the hospital as a nightmare they continue to relive.

    On Wednesday, the defense attorneys said they plan to call Shepard’s family members to the stand, as well as professionals they said they hope will not excuse but explain Shepard’s state of mind the night Terney was killed.

    https://kfor.com/2019/11/19/slain-te...killers-trial/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  9. #19
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    Jury recommends death sentence for Tecumseh officer’s killer

    By Cassandra Sweetman
    KFOR News

    POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) - A jury handed down a death sentence to the man it convicted of killing a Tecumseh police officer.

    On Friday afternoon, after less than two hours of deliberation, the jury sentenced Byron Shepard to death as punishment for the 2017 murder of Officer Justin Terney.

    The trial lasted three weeks, and the ending was a relief for a roomful of law enforcement members and Terney’s family.

    The 22-year-old Tecumseh police officer was just a rookie when he was killed during a traffic stop.

    In court, the state argued Shepard pulled out his gun, turned and shot Terney simply to avoid going to jail on the stolen property charge he was wanted for.

    “Everybody has seen the dash cam. Everybody saw that night Justin was so professional, Justin did exactly what he was supposed to do... and to say he was executed... he was executed,” said Tonisha Rapp, Terney’s sister.

    In closing statements, District Attorney Greg Mashburn reminded the jury of Shepard’s past violence against people, including women he had relationships with.

    Mashburn described him as “a violent, aggressive, merciless cop killer.”

    “Just the facts that were presented in this case, and the fact that the defendant was such a violent criminal, and there was just a 20-year-past with him,” Rapp said.

    Meanwhile, Shepard’s attorneys asked the jury to show Shepard mercy.

    Over the week,Shepard’s family and friends, including his mother and teenage daughter, took the stand to beg for his life. Some recounted alleged abuse by parents, and early drug use that contributed to who he is today.

    In their closings, his attorneys tried to convince jurors Shepard is someone who cares for his sick or dying loved ones, and who is capable of redemption.

    Just after the jury was sent out, Terney’s family and his family of fellow Tecumseh police officers said a prayer for him and for justice in front of the courthouse.

    Those prayers were answered soon after the jury came back with the death sentence.

    “Today we can go over and we can go to his grave and we can tell him, Justin, everything is okay,” Rapp said.

    It was a long-awaited moment of closure for those who were close to the fallen officer.

    “Don’t let the memory of Justin Terney die,” said Tecumseh Police Chief J.R. Kidney. “Remember that he was a young man doing what he loved and fighting for his community the night that he died.”

    A formal sentencing will take place at 9 a.m. on Jan. 3, 2020.

    https://kfor.com/2019/11/22/jury-giv...olice-officer/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

  10. #20
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    Edited:

    Man convicted of murdering Oklahoma police officer sentenced to death

    By K. Querry
    KFOR News

    POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. (KFOR) – A man who was convicted of murdering an Oklahoma police officer has been sentenced to death.

    On Friday morning, Byron Shepard was officially sentenced to death for the shooting death of Tecumseh officer Justin Terney in 2017.

    The 22-year-old police officer was just a rookie when he was killed during a traffic stop.

    https://kfor.com/2020/01/03/man-conv...nced-to-death/
    "I realize this may sound harsh, but as a father and former lawman, I really don't care if it's by lethal injection, by the electric chair, firing squad, hanging, the guillotine or being fed to the lions."
    - Oklahoma Rep. Mike Christian

    "There are some people who just do not deserve to live,"
    - Rev. Richard Hawke

    “There are lots of extremely smug and self-satisfied people in what would be deemed lower down in society, who also deserve to be pulled up. In a proper free society, you should be allowed to make jokes about absolutely anything.”
    - Rowan Atkinson

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