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Thread: Byron James Shepard - Oklahoma Death Row

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    Byron James Shepard - Oklahoma Death Row








    Oklahoma officer wounded in traffic-stop shooting has died


    TECUMSEH, Okla. (AP) — A 22-year-old police officer has died after a shootout with a man who fled a traffic stop in central Oklahoma, police said Monday.

    Officer Justin Terney died Monday morning after undergoing surgery overnight, Tecumseh Assistant Police Chief J.R. Kidney said.

    The suspect was also shot and was in intensive care Monday morning, Kidney said.

    According to police, Terney pulled over a vehicle about 11:30 p.m. Sunday in Tecumseh, 35 miles southeast of Oklahoma City. Kidney said the man ran away as Terney checked with dispatchers to see if he had any outstanding warrants.

    Terney used a stun gun on the man but it was ineffective, Kidney said. The man then shot at Terney, who returned fire. Both men were wounded and taken to OU Medical Center.

    Kidney said Terney, who graduated from police academy last summer, was shot several times in the "lower extremities."

    He said authorities are still working to confirm the identity of the suspect, who was also shot multiple times.

    "If it is who we think this person is, there's a possibility that he has some warrants," Kidney said. "That could be the reason that he ran."

    http://www.timescolonist.com/oklahom...ied-1.13051436
    "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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    What we know about the man accused of killing the 22-year-old Tecumseh police officer

    TECUMSEH, Okla. – We are learning more about the man accused of killing the 22-year-old Tecumseh police officer.

    Byron James Shepard, 36, is wanted out of Okfuskee County for concealing stolen property.

    According to court documents, in February 2017, Shepard and another man were accused of stealing approximately $500,000 worth of oilfield downhole electronics from their former employer, Terrapin Energy Sources.

    When investigators showed up to Shepard’s home, they reportedly found evidence linking Shepard to the theft.

    Court documents state that officials found around $185,450 worth of stolen items at Shepard’s home.

    Shepard was not at home at the time of the search.

    Authorities issued an arrest warrant and started searching for Shepard.

    Officer Justin Terney was a rookie with the Tecumseh Police Department. It was just his first year on the force.

    Around 11:30 p.m. Sunday, Terney attempted to pull over a vehicle near Benson Park and Gordon Cooper.

    When the vehicle stopped, the passenger, identified as Shepard, jumped out of the car and ran.

    Terney
    was able to tase the suspect, but police said the suspect was unaffected by the taser.

    At that point, officers said Shepard allegedly shot Terney three times.

    Terney returned fire, striking Shepard approximately four times.

    The officer and the suspect were both transported to a local hospital.

    Officials say Terney underwent emergency surgery and was listed in critical condition.

    However, police confirmed the officer succumbed to his injuries and passed away just before 9 a.m.

    Shepard also underwent surgery and remains in the ICU.

    He was last listed in critical condition.

    A woman who was driving the car that Shepard was in when they were pulled over is in custody.

    A memorial fund has been set up for Terney’s family. Donations may be made at any BancFirst location under the “Officer Justin Terney Memorial Fund.”

    http://kfor.com/2017/03/28/what-we-k...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

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    Suspect in Tecumseh police officer’s murder released from hospital, jailed

    By Kim Morava
    The Shawnee News Star

    The suspect accused of shooting and killing Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney was released from the hospital Thursday and is now jailed in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center on a first-degree murder charge.

    Byron James Shepard, 35, is jailed without bond. His next court date has not yet been scheduled.

    Shepard, who was charged with the officer’s murder last week, has been hospitalized recovering from gunshot wounds he received when Officer Terney returned fire the night of March 26.

    Terney’s life and career were cut short when Shepard, a fleeing passenger from a traffic stop at Gordon Cooper Drive and Benson Park Road, allegedly shot him twice. Terney returned fire, striking Shepard three times.

    Terney, 22, underwent an overnight surgery but died the morning of March 27 at OU Medical Center.

    The young officer had only been working the streets of Tecumseh for about a year, but during that time he made a big impact on a community he served.

    Members of the community gathered March 30 for a candlelight vigil in front of the Tecumseh Police Department, where there has been an outpouring of support to both Terney’s family and his law enforcement family.

    Funeral services were held for Terney March 31 in his hometown of Canadian, near Eufaula, where law enforcement officers from both near and far gathered with Terney’s family and friends.

    In a final call to honor the officer killed in the line of duty, local dispatchers called out for Tecumseh 16 over the police radio, followed by silent pauses before Terney’s “End of Watch” was announced.

    Plans are already underway to honor Terney in the community he served.

    His name is also being added to the Pottawatomie County law enforcement memorial in front of the Pottawatomie County courthouse in Shawnee.

    Pottawatomie County Undersheriff Travis Palmer said Terney’s name is being added and an unveiling ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. April 13. It will be next year before Terney’s name can be added to the state’s law enforcement memorial in Oklahoma City as well as the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, D.C.

    Last week, prosecutors released a portion of Terney’s dash cam video to illustrate how a seemingly normal traffic stop unfolds into a life and death struggle. At first, the suspect appears outgoing and friendly while visiting with the officer, but when Terney suspects Shepard is giving him a false name and information, Shepard takes off running into the woods.

    The officer gives chase and you can hear him yelling off camera for the suspect to stop.

    Officer Terney deployed his Taser on the suspect with no effect and then he gets shot before returning fire.

    In filing the formal charges, District Attorney Richard Smothermon described Terney as one of the most-liked officers on the department. He said the officer had wanted to be a cop since he was 3 years old and had recently acquired a puppy, Onyx, to train as a police dog.

    Shepard is accused of causing the death of Officer Terney by inflicting mortal wounds when firing a Springfield XD semi-automatic 9 mm pistol into the abdomen and leg of the officer during the traffic stop.

    In addition to the charges filed against Shepard, the driver of the vehicle involved in the traffic stop, Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 22, was arrested for harboring a fugitive.

    She lives in Tecumseh and was reported to be in a relationship with Shepard and also aware that he had outstanding felony warrants from Okfuskee County. Smothermon said she could face additional charges in this case.

    http://www.news-star.com/news/201704...ospital-jailed
    "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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    Woman charged with murder in Oklahoma officer's shooting

    By Associated Press

    SHAWNEE, Okla. – A woman has been charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of an Oklahoma police officer.

    Prosecutors on Wednesday charged 22-year-old Brooklyn Danielle Williams of Tecumseh in the death of 22-year-old Tecumseh officer Justin Terney.

    Court records do not list an attorney for Williams.

    Williams was driving a car March 26 carrying 35-year-old Byron James Shepard when Terney stopped her for a traffic violation. Authorities say Shepard ran from the scene when Terney learned of an arrest warrant against him, and the two eventually shot each other. Terney died the following day. Shepard was hospitalized and has since been charged with first-degree murder.

    Prosecutors allege Williams knew Shepard was wanted and was harboring him.

    http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/04/12...-shooting.html
    "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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    Hearing set for driver in Tecumseh officer’s traffic stop death

    By Kim Morava
    Shawnee News Star

    The driver of a vehicle stopped by Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney before prosecutors say the officer was fatally shot by a passenger was among those in court for Tuesday’s pre-preliminary hearing docket.

    Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 22, is charged in Pottawatomie County District Court with second-degree murder in the officer’s death. During Tuesday’s court appearance, a preliminary hearing — where a judge determines if there is enough evidence for her case to proceed — was scheduled for Aug. 18.

    Williams is jailed in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center on a $250,000 bond.

    Byron James Shepard, 35, who was Williams’ passenger on the night of that March 26 traffic stop, is charged with first-degree murder in the officer’s murder. Shepard’s next court date is scheduled at the end of this month.

    Shepard is accused of causing the death of Officer Terney by inflicting mortal wounds when firing a Springfield XD semi-automatic 9 mm pistol into the abdomen and leg of the officer during the traffic stop. Terney underwent surgery but died from his wounds the next morning.

    The warrant for Shepard’s arrest shows Officer Terney conducted the traffic stop on a white Buick for defective equipment at about 11:23 p.m. March 26.

    Williams, of Tecumseh, was reported to be in a relationship with Shepard and the shooting occurred when Shepard allegedly ran from Terney during the late-night traffic stop at Gordon Cooper Drive and Benson Park Road.

    In a dash cam video released by District Attorney Richard Smothermon’s office with the filing of Shepard’s charges, a seemingly normal traffic stop unfolds, with the officer being kind but becoming suspicious as he believes the passenger, who had no ID, is giving him false names. The stop quickly turned as the suspect, who was later determined to have a felony arrest warrant, ran into the woods.

    Officer Terney, 22, deployed his Taser on the suspect with no effect.

    At one point, you can hear gunshots, with Terney later saying to dispatchers, “Central, I’ve been hit,” and “Central, I’ve been shot.”

    Even though he had been shot twice, Officer Terney returned fire and struck Shepard, who was struck three times in the arm, chest and groin area.

    Before being booked into the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center, where he is currently jailed without bond, Shepard was hospitalized at OU Medical Center for treatment of his gunshot wounds.

    Smothermon said Shepard gave the officer false names during the traffic stop because he knew he had an outstanding Okfuskee County arrest warrant for knowingly concealing stolen property. That warrant had a $250,000 bond.

    Williams, who stayed at the vehicle when Shepard allegedly ran, was initially arrested and booked into jail on a complaint of harboring a fugitive, although the formal charge filed ended up being the second-degree murder count.

    http://www.news-star.com/news/201707...fic-stop-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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    Prosecutors seeking death penalty for murder defendant accused of fatally shooting Tecumseh police officer

    By Kyle Schwab
    The Oklahoman

    SHAWNEE — A Tecumseh police lieutenant testified Thursday about being with fellow officer Justin Terney in the moments after a deadly shootout late March 26.

    “Stay with us. Help is coming,” Lt. Mike Mallinson told his wounded colleague, according to the testimony. The lieutenant explained to a Pottawatomie County judge he was trying to keep Terney awake.

    “Mike, I think I'm going out,” Terney replied according to the testimony, the lieutenant testified. Terney, 22, died the next day at a hospital.

    The testimony came during a preliminary hearing Thursday for murder defendants Byron James Shepard, 36, and Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 23.

    Prosecutors announced Thursday they are seeking the death penalty against Shepard, who is accused of fatally shooting Terney in the abdomen and leg.

    http://www.tulsaworld.com/news/state...2d253cb0f.html
    "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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    Court update: Williams enters NG plea in Tecumseh officer’s death

    By Kim Morava
    The Shawnee News-Star

    A Tecumseh woman charged with second-degree murder in the death of Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney entered a not guilty plea on Wednesday.

    Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 23, appeared for arraignment during the scheduled felony docket. Her case now advances to the docket on Feb. 28, 2018.

    Williams and Byron James Shepard, 36, both had a preliminary hearing earlier this month, where a judge bound both of them over for trial.

    Williams was the driver of the vehicle involved in a March traffic stop. Shepard, her passenger, fled from the vehicle into a nearby treeline, where Officer Terney was shot. Terney died the next day, while Shepard, who was injured by gunfire from Terney’s weapon, was treated for his injuries and then released to the jail.

    Shepard faces a first-degree murder charge and the death penalty in the case; his next court date is scheduled Dec. 13.

    In addition to the murder charge, Shepard also was bound over for trial on a charge of knowingly concealing stolen property relating to the stolen firearm used in the homicide, along with a charge of possession of controlled dangerous substance, methamphetamine, which officers found on his person that night en route to the hospital.

    Shepard remains jailed without bond; Williams is jailed on a $250,000 bond.

    http://www.news-star.com/news/201711...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

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    Jury trial set for defendant in Tecumseh officer’s murder

    By Kim Morava
    The Shawnee News-Star

    A special session jury trial has been scheduled in Pottawatomie County District Court this summer for the defendant charged in the murder of Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney.

    Byron James Shepard, 36, is charged with first-degree murder in the officer’s death that occurred in March 2017.

    Shepard, who is jailed without bond in the Pottawatomie County Public Safety Center, now has a jury trial date scheduled to begin June 18 during the special session jury term.

    District Attorney Richard Smothermon also has filed a Bill of Particulars seeking the death penalty in this case.

    In that filing, he said Shepard meets five of eight aggravating circumstances that warrant the death penalty, including having previous felony convictions, committing a murder to avoid arrest, being a threat to society and the fact that Terney was a peace officer in the performance of his duties.

    Officer Terney, 22, died March 27, 2017 from gunshot wounds he suffered in an alleged shootout with Shepard, a passenger who allegedly fled from a traffic stop.

    The driver of the vehicle in that stop, Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 23, is charged with second-degree murder. She also has pleaded not guilty and her next court date is scheduled Feb. 27.

    Shepard is accused of causing the death of Officer Terney by inflicting mortal wounds when firing a Springfield XD semi-automatic 9 mm pistol into the abdomen and leg of the officer during the traffic stop.

    Terney’s dash cam video captured the traffic stop before Shepard fled, then audio of events and gunshots going on in the nearby treeline.

    In addition to the murder charge, Shepard also faces charges of knowingly concealing stolen property relating to the stolen firearm used in the homicide, along with a charge of possession of controlled dangerous substance, methamphetamine, which officers found on his person that night en route to the hospital.

    http://www.news-star.com/news/201801...fficers-murder
    "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. #9
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    Trial postponed for man accused of killing Tecumseh police officer

    By K. Querry
    KFOR-TV

    POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY, Okla. – The trial for a man accused of killing a Tecumseh police officer last year has been postponed.

    Around 11:30 p.m on March 26, Tecumseh Officer Justin Terney pulled over a vehicle near Benson Park and Gordon Cooper.

    “You got your driver’s license and registration ready?” dash cam video showed Officer Justin Terney asking Brooklyn Williams during the traffic stop.

    Williams gave Officer Terney her real name, but 36-year-old Byron Shepard lied from the very beginning, telling Officer Terney his name is James Bishop.

    Shepard was wanted for stealing a pickup and equipment from an oil drilling company.

    Dispatch, of course couldn’t find Shepard’s false identity, and Shepard proceeded to make small talk with the 22-year-old officer.

    Officer Terney told Shepard he needed to be honest and give him some identification, but Shepard ended up running into a wooded area.

    You can hear Officer Terney screaming, “You’re going to get tased! Stop!”

    District Attorney Richard Smothermon said Officer Terney tased Shepard as they cleared a fence.

    In the video, you can hear Officer Terney say, “Central, I’ve been hit.”

    “We believe Officer Terney returned fire after he was hit,” Smothermon said. Smothermon said Terney was shot twice, and Shepard was shot at least three times.

    They were both rushed to nearby hospitals, but Terney died from his injuries.

    Shepard is facing charges of first-degree murder, knowingly concealing stolen property and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

    Prosecutors say they are seeking the death penalty in the case since Shepard met five of eight aggravating circumstances that warrant a death sentence.

    Initially, the trial was scheduled to begin on June 18.

    Last month, Shepard's attorney filed several motions, including one document that waived his right to a speedy trial.

    Now, the Shawnee News-Star reports that Shepard's trial has been postponed, but a new trial date has not been set.

    His next status hearing is scheduled to begin on August 17.

    http://kfor.com/2018/05/02/trial-pos...source=twitter
    "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. #10
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    Pott. County jury selected to hear second degree murder case

    Shawnee News Star

    A Pottawatomie County jury was selected Monday to hear a trial this week involving the 2017 death of Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney.

    Brooklyn Danielle Williams, 24, is standing trial on a charge of second degree murder, court records show.

    She is accused, on our about March 26, 2017, of second degree murder by engaging in the felony offense of harboring a fugitive and concealing Byron James Shepard, a person she knew to be a fugitive from justice, charges allege.

    And while in the commission of that felony, charges allege Shepard, 37, fired a 9 mm semi-automatic pistol into the abdomen of Tecumseh Police Officer Justin Terney, causing mortal wounds from which Terney died.

    Shepard recovered from his wounds and faces first-degree murder and other charges. His trial is scheduled for October.Williams and Shepard have pleaded not guilty.

    https://www.news-star.com/news/20190...ee-murder-case
    "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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