Just days after BJ Taylor, a 17-year-old aspiring Olympian, was shot and killed in Texas, the man accused of killing him was released on bail, according to a report.
The mother and aunt of the slain Houston teen say they cannot understand the judge’s decision, and now fear for their own safety, they told FOX 26 of Houston.
“When I found out that he really gave himself up, I was a little relieved. It’s okay, it’s off the streets, ”Taylor’s mother said. She and the aunt asked FOX 26 not to reveal their names.
The suspect charged in the case, identified as 18-year-old Omari Sykes, was an admitted gang member, the station reported.
“He chased my baby like an animal, just because he was in a fight,” said the victim’s mother.
But just days after the murder, Harris County Criminal District Court Judge Hilary Unger released Sykes on $ 100,000 bail, according to the station.
Judge Hilary Unger, my heart is so broken right now. You allowed this criminal, this coward, a bond to be released, ”Taylor’s mother said.
Judge Hilary Unger, my heart is so broken right now. You allowed this criminal, this coward, a bond to be released.
– Mother of murdered adolescent
“You failed us,” added Taylor’s aunt, referring to the judge. “You are a failure at your job.”
The aunt expressed her sympathy for other people who have been victims of similar crimes.
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“I’ve never been involved in anything like this in my life,” she said, “and my heart goes out to the people who have.”
Crimestoppers Houston’s Andy Kahan, who was serving as a spokesman for the family, said family members expected the suspect’s bail to be revoked, Houston’s KPRC-TV reported.
Omari Sykes. (Houston Police Department)
“It’s heartbreaking,” Kahan said of the judge’s decision. “It’s like being hit again by our criminal justice system.”
“It’s like being hit again by our criminal justice system.”
– Andy Kahan, Crimestoppers Houston
Cheryl Irvin, the defendant’s attorney, said she and Sykes “understand” how Taylor’s family feels.
“This is a difficult time for them and we respect it,” the defense attorney told KPRC. “What [Sykes] He told me a minute ago, he can understand that they are upset because if his family were in a reverse position, they would be upset, so we respect the family and their loss during this very difficult time.
The shooting occurred on June 5 at a graduation party at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Houston-Greenway Plaza, KRPC reported.
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Taylor and Sykes allegedly began fighting in a hallway, with Taylor hitting Sykes over the head and then Sykes allegedly pulling out a pistol and killing Taylor, according to the station.
Sykes was arrested on June 7, according to the station. He appeared in court Monday, but it was unclear when Sykes would return to court in connection with the case. The suspect is not allowed to leave his home without permission from a judge, KPRC reported.
Last week in Polk County, Texas, north of Houston, a father criticized a different judge, claiming that the judge had handed down a light sentence to a man convicted of raping the father’s teenage daughter.
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Another liberal activist judge siding with murderers strikes again. Is there anything these jerks
won’t screw up.