MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TCD) — A man has been convicted of charges related to the 2022 death of his girlfriend and the kidnapping of her child.
The Shelby County District Attorney's Office announced that on February 27, a jury found Byron Pipkin guilty of first-degree murder, specifically aggravated kidnapping, being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during the commission of especially aggravated kidnapping. . Of firearms. His sentencing is scheduled for April 1.
According to the District Attorney's Office, Pipkin fatally shot his girlfriend, Marchicza Tomas, at a home in Córdoba on June 30, 2022. After the incident, Pipkin reportedly kidnapped Thomas' child, now 7 years old, and left the scene.
A witness said he saw Pipkin and his girlfriend arguing inside the garage, according to an affidavit reviewed by WMC-TV. Thomas tried to run away and Pipkin reportedly shot him.
According to WMC, Pipkin dragged Thomas from the front yard into the garage, then went into the house and told the then-6-year-old to come out with him.
Pipkin fled with the child in a white Mercedes-Benz and called 911 to report that Thomas had been shot by another person.
Pipkin eventually left the child with an acquaintance and went to a Memphis motel, where a three-hour standoff with SWAT ensued. Shelby County Sheriff's Office Investigator They ended up taking him into custody.
During the trial, children ages 12, 11, and 7 testified. According to the District Attorney's Office, the boy, now 12 years old, witnessed the defendant shooting his mother in his front yard. The 12-year-old reportedly hid inside his car when Pipkin moved Thomas' body into the garage.
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