I am so thankful that justice is being done here. but this is only the first step. sentencing proceeds tomorrow. please pray for Tynesha's family and everyone involved in the trial.
Jury Reaches Verdict In Slain Student Trial
POSTED: 11:10 am CDT October 9, 2008
UPDATED: 4:29 pm CDT October 9, 2008
HOUSTON -- Jurors reached a guilty verdict Thursday in the trial of a man accused of killing, dismembering and burning the remains of his ex-girlfriend, KPRC Local 2 reported.
After nearly eight hours of deliberation, Timothy Shepherd, 28, was found guilty of murder in connection with the death of Texas A&M freshman Tynesha Stewart, 19, during spring break in March 2007.
Shepherd did not have any reaction when the verdict was read, but Stewart's family was very emotional.
"My daughter is at peace. She's at peace. Now we can go on with our lives. Justice has been done," said Gayle Shields, Stewart's mother.
"I was angry at first, but I don't want to have that hate in my heart because I feel sorry for him," said Gayla Shields, Stewart's sister. "He has to sit and think about what he did to a girl that he loved for years."
Police said that Shepherd confessed to choking Stewart, taking her body apart and using two barbecue grills to dispose of her body. According to court records, police recovered 30 pieces of charred bone and hair from Shepherd's apartment.
Shepherd was described as controlling and violent with Stewart while he was her boyfriend when she was 16 years old and he was 25. Attorneys said that Shepherd felt Stewart lied to him and disrespected him after she went away to college.
Shepherd faces up to life in prison.
The jury began hearing evidence Thursday afternoon in the punishment phase of the case, which drew national attention after investigators said they would not search for the body because it may have ended up in one of several landfills. Officials later said they knew there were no remains to be found.
The first witness in the punishment phase was Stewart's sister's boyfriend.
Johnny Gordon testified that Shepherd once told him, "If I (Shepherd) ever had to kill Tynesha, I would cut her up, barbecue her body, then feed her to the dogs."
Stewart's stepfather and younger sister also testified that Stewart often came home with bruises and black eyes after being beaten by Shepherd.
The sentencing phase continues Friday morning.
The state is expected to call Shepherd's family members to testify.
the past month of so has been really hard on me and im struggling with a bunch of different stuff. basically just super stressed out right now and prayin its all over with soon. thank u for everyone who has been so helpful and supportive!! i love yall so much!!
thanks to the storm, i didn't have to take my food bacteriology test today aaaaannd i got off work early aaaannnd i dont have to work tomorrow!!! so good news there but not so good of news for those who are getting flooded right now and those who will soon be dealing with intense wind and rain
i pray for all of those waiting out the storm. i know many of our families and friends are in and around Houston.
Let's also remember those who are being forced to evacuate that are in hospitals or those who are elderly or sick at this time and may lose power.
