The court is still considering a motion to suppress evidence in a 2023 murder case where a male teenager has been charged with the fatal shooting of a 16-year-old female.
Jeremiah T. Byrd, now 18, is charged with murder, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of a handgun by a minor for the fatal shooting of 16-year-old Gay Mee Paw that took place at approximately 12:30 p.m. on June 21, 2023, near Ben Hawes Park.
Byrd, who was 16 at the time of the shooting, was arrested that evening, but per state law regarding juvenile suspects, his identity was not released until December 2023 after his first appearance in adult court, when he pleaded not guilty.
According to police reports, Byrd claimed an unknown gunman in a passing vehicle shot at Byrd’s vehicle while driving.
Earlier this year, Byrd’s defense counsel entered a motion to suppress evidence. His attorneys said that Byrd cooperated at the scene. However, they argued that Byrd’s constitutional rights were violated during his arrest and interrogation, claiming unlawful detention without probable cause, failure to honor his repeated requests for legal counsel, and the use of coercive tactics to obtain a confession. Additionally, the motion claimed that evidence obtained from these alleged violations, including search warrants, was inadmissible as “fruit of the poisonous tree.”
The motion to suppress evidence centered on claims that law enforcement violated Byrd’s Miranda rights, failed to notify his legal guardian as required for juveniles, and coerced incriminating statements through deceptive practices.
The court previously heard testimony from multiple officers and reviewed body camera footage during suppression hearings held in September and October. Byrd’s defense highlighted discrepancies in how his rights were conveyed and alleged that investigators exploited his juvenile status during questioning.
The prosecution maintained that Byrd’s statements were voluntary and that investigators adhered to proper procedures throughout the investigation.
Last month, following his 18th birthday, Byrd was transferred from the Warren Regional Detention Center to the Daviess County Detention Center.
During a pre-trial conference on Tuesday, defense attorney John Bennett and Commonwealth’s Attorney Mike Van Meter confirmed that Judge Castlen has been considering the motion but has not yet issued a decision. Recently elected Circuit Judge David Payne said a ruling is expected within the next few days.
During Tuesday’s hearing, from which Byrd appeared virtually from jail, a new court date was set for December 19. Bennett requested Byrd appear in person for the December hearing.
A trial date is tentatively set for February 17, 2025.
