November 20, 2009 6:35 PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
An Ector County jury of six men and six women decided to acquit Christopher David Lyson of murder shortly after 3 p.m. Friday.
Lyson was cleared on one count of murder in connection with the May 2008 stabbing death of 26-year old Ryan Adam Moon, who was killed in a fight over owed money on Bunche Avenue.
Both the prosecution and defense delivered powerful and lengthy closing arguments Friday morning, urging the jury to vote their way in the case.
Lyson’s defense attorney Dusty Gallivan asked jurors to believe Moon, who according to two nurses implicated Terrance L. Jackson as the stabber. Jackson testified he heard Lyson admit to the stabbing.
“Why would you believe a word that (Jackson) says?” Gallivan asked, alluding to Jackson’s long list of felony convictions.
Gallivan also criticized the Odessa Police Department’s investigation of Moon’s death, saying detectives tested only three knives — none of which were linked to the crime — and based their entire investigation on one witness.
“There is too much doubt in this case and too many unanswered questions for you to vote guilty,” he argued. “You have to vote not guilty.”
But Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham pointed out three eyewitnesses to the fight implicated Lyson.
“The most telling evidence in this whole trial is that there are no defensive wounds,” Cunningham said. Several witnesses testified Lyson snuck up on Moon during the fight to help Jackson.
“The only way that justice will be served today is if you find the defendant guilty of murder,” Cunningham said.
The jury was charged and began deliberating at 10:44 a.m.
This morning’s proceedings drew the best attendance by far in the four-day trial as family members of the victim, defendant and attorneys filled most of the 70th District Court chambers.
Showing posts with label News Articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label News Articles. Show all posts
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
11-19-09 Closing arguments Friday Odessa American
November 19, 2009 4:00 PM
BY JIM MUSTIAN
Prosecutors rested their case Thursday afternoon against Christopher David Lyson, the Odessa man charged with murder in the 2008 stabbing death of Ryan Adam Moon.
The third day of testimony featured at least two surprises for the defense as two witnesses implicated Lyson and included details in their testimony that they did not tell police during the investigation.
Terrance L. Jackson, who was friends with both Moon and Lyson, recalled a scene from the night of the alleged stabbing in which Lyson allegedly admitted stabbing Moon and showed Jackson about “how far” with a pocketknife. Jackson said he did not see Lyson stab Moon. Jackson’s girlfriend, Sarah E. Fontenot, testified she saw Lyson washing and drying the knife in an apartment after the stabbing.
Lyson, for his part, had pointed the finger at Jackson in an interview with detectives.
Lyson’s defense lawyer Dusty Gallivan attacked Jackson’s credibility and accused him of lying to the police and to prosecutors to avoid prison time.
“You want this jury to believe you?” Gallivan asked, ticking off a list of Jackson’s felony convictions.
The jury will hear closing arguments Friday at 9 a.m. in 70th District Court.
BY JIM MUSTIAN
Prosecutors rested their case Thursday afternoon against Christopher David Lyson, the Odessa man charged with murder in the 2008 stabbing death of Ryan Adam Moon.
The third day of testimony featured at least two surprises for the defense as two witnesses implicated Lyson and included details in their testimony that they did not tell police during the investigation.
Terrance L. Jackson, who was friends with both Moon and Lyson, recalled a scene from the night of the alleged stabbing in which Lyson allegedly admitted stabbing Moon and showed Jackson about “how far” with a pocketknife. Jackson said he did not see Lyson stab Moon. Jackson’s girlfriend, Sarah E. Fontenot, testified she saw Lyson washing and drying the knife in an apartment after the stabbing.
Lyson, for his part, had pointed the finger at Jackson in an interview with detectives.
Lyson’s defense lawyer Dusty Gallivan attacked Jackson’s credibility and accused him of lying to the police and to prosecutors to avoid prison time.
“You want this jury to believe you?” Gallivan asked, ticking off a list of Jackson’s felony convictions.
The jury will hear closing arguments Friday at 9 a.m. in 70th District Court.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
11-18-09 Lyson trial continues Odessa American
November 18, 2009 8:40 PM
BY JIM MUSTIAN
In a heated interview with detectives, Christopher David Lyson denied stabbing 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon and reluctantly implicated his friend Terrance L. Jackson in the 2008 slaying.
Lyson might not take the witness stand in his murder trial this week, but the Odessa man’s version of events took center stage Wednesday as an Ector County jury listened to a 90-minute tape recording in which Lyson steadfastly denied any hand in Moon’s death.
The fight that reportedly caused Moon’s death began about midnight on May 29, 2008, in front of Jackson’s mother’s mobile home in the 700 block of Bunche Ave. Police said the fight began over a debt Jackson owed Moon.
Jamayea Brockett, Moon’s girlfriend at the time, testified Tuesday she was “positive” she saw Lyson perform “a stabbing motion” in an attempt to help Jackson during the struggle. But Lyson insists he watched as a third party, standing near a car parked in front of the residence
“I’ll swear on the Bible. I’ll do anything,” Lyson told detectives. “I’ll take a lie detector test right now.”
The detectives and Lyson’s defense attorney Dusty Gallivan offered differing interpretations of the impassioned back-and-forth. Det. Shelly Stanford of the Odessa Police Department testified Wednesday she spotted several holes in Lyson’s story but acknowledged her threats could have “caused more inconsistencies.”
At the beginning of the interview, he told the detectives he was shocked to learn of Moon’s death, saying Jackson and Moon shook hands after the fight and that “everything was fine.”
“Your story sucks and it ain’t gonna hold water,” Stanford told Lyson during the interrogation. Jackson and Lyson, both of Odessa, were detained for questioning in Midland a few hours after Moon stopped breathing at Odessa Regional Medical Center.
Det. Harvey Enriquez of OPD said in the interview “he would not feel bad” if Lyson received a lethal injection because Lyson would not take responsibility for his alleged actions. Lyson is not charged with capital murder in connection with Moon’s death. He faces five years to life in prison if convicted.
Gallivan chided the detectives for lying to Lyson and criticized their techniques. He maintained Lyson never changed his story throughout the profanity-laden interrogation.
During cross examination, Gallivan grilled Enriquez and Stanford, suggesting the detectives confined the scope of their investigation by basing their questions on Brockett’s initial statements. Selecting passages out of other police interviews not played for the jury, Gallivan pointed out that Jackson and at least one other witness changed their stories after the detectives began threatening them with the lethal injection.
“The only thing that changed was, in the middle, (Lyson) added Terrance did it,” Gallivan said.
In the interview, Lyson said he feared retribution from Jackson but eventually recalled his friend telling him, “I shivved his ass.”
Jackson, who according to court documents and testimony is also known as “Ice Cream,” has not been charged in Moon’s death. He pleaded guilty last month to unrelated felony theft charges and was sentenced to 20 months in state jail and ordered to pay $3,500 in restitution to the victim.
Investigators never recovered the weapon they say Lyson used in the stabbing. But on Wednesday, jurors viewed photographs introduced by prosecutors that show two knives recovered from Lyson’s backpack. Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham said the knives could demonstrate Lyson’s tendency to carry a dangerous weapon.
Gallivan objected to the state using them as evidence because DNA testing determined they were not linked to Moon’s death. One of the knives bears the red letters “KKK,” which Gallivan said would be too prejudicial for the jury.
Judge Denn Whalen overruled Gallivan’s objection Wednesday, saying the knives were relevant evidence.
Testimony is scheduled to resume this morning at 9 a.m. in 70th District Court.
BY JIM MUSTIAN
In a heated interview with detectives, Christopher David Lyson denied stabbing 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon and reluctantly implicated his friend Terrance L. Jackson in the 2008 slaying.
Lyson might not take the witness stand in his murder trial this week, but the Odessa man’s version of events took center stage Wednesday as an Ector County jury listened to a 90-minute tape recording in which Lyson steadfastly denied any hand in Moon’s death.
The fight that reportedly caused Moon’s death began about midnight on May 29, 2008, in front of Jackson’s mother’s mobile home in the 700 block of Bunche Ave. Police said the fight began over a debt Jackson owed Moon.
Jamayea Brockett, Moon’s girlfriend at the time, testified Tuesday she was “positive” she saw Lyson perform “a stabbing motion” in an attempt to help Jackson during the struggle. But Lyson insists he watched as a third party, standing near a car parked in front of the residence
“I’ll swear on the Bible. I’ll do anything,” Lyson told detectives. “I’ll take a lie detector test right now.”
The detectives and Lyson’s defense attorney Dusty Gallivan offered differing interpretations of the impassioned back-and-forth. Det. Shelly Stanford of the Odessa Police Department testified Wednesday she spotted several holes in Lyson’s story but acknowledged her threats could have “caused more inconsistencies.”
At the beginning of the interview, he told the detectives he was shocked to learn of Moon’s death, saying Jackson and Moon shook hands after the fight and that “everything was fine.”
“Your story sucks and it ain’t gonna hold water,” Stanford told Lyson during the interrogation. Jackson and Lyson, both of Odessa, were detained for questioning in Midland a few hours after Moon stopped breathing at Odessa Regional Medical Center.
Det. Harvey Enriquez of OPD said in the interview “he would not feel bad” if Lyson received a lethal injection because Lyson would not take responsibility for his alleged actions. Lyson is not charged with capital murder in connection with Moon’s death. He faces five years to life in prison if convicted.
Gallivan chided the detectives for lying to Lyson and criticized their techniques. He maintained Lyson never changed his story throughout the profanity-laden interrogation.
During cross examination, Gallivan grilled Enriquez and Stanford, suggesting the detectives confined the scope of their investigation by basing their questions on Brockett’s initial statements. Selecting passages out of other police interviews not played for the jury, Gallivan pointed out that Jackson and at least one other witness changed their stories after the detectives began threatening them with the lethal injection.
“The only thing that changed was, in the middle, (Lyson) added Terrance did it,” Gallivan said.
In the interview, Lyson said he feared retribution from Jackson but eventually recalled his friend telling him, “I shivved his ass.”
Jackson, who according to court documents and testimony is also known as “Ice Cream,” has not been charged in Moon’s death. He pleaded guilty last month to unrelated felony theft charges and was sentenced to 20 months in state jail and ordered to pay $3,500 in restitution to the victim.
Investigators never recovered the weapon they say Lyson used in the stabbing. But on Wednesday, jurors viewed photographs introduced by prosecutors that show two knives recovered from Lyson’s backpack. Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham said the knives could demonstrate Lyson’s tendency to carry a dangerous weapon.
Gallivan objected to the state using them as evidence because DNA testing determined they were not linked to Moon’s death. One of the knives bears the red letters “KKK,” which Gallivan said would be too prejudicial for the jury.
Judge Denn Whalen overruled Gallivan’s objection Wednesday, saying the knives were relevant evidence.
Testimony is scheduled to resume this morning at 9 a.m. in 70th District Court.
11-18-09 Stabbing death trial continues Odessa American
November 18, 2009 5:00 PM
BY JIM MUSTIAN
A knife found in the backpack of Christopher David Lyson bearing the red letters "KKK" is not prejudicial and is relevant in the 2008 stabbing death of 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon, Judge Denn Whalen ruled Wednesday morning in 70th District Court.
DNA testing determined the knife and another utility knife found in the bag were not connected to Moon’s death. Lyson’s defense attorney Dusty Gallivan objected to the jury viewing photographs of the knives.
"These knives have no evidentiary value," Gallivan said, adding they would be prejudicial to his client. He later referred to the knife as a collector’s item.
"I think the evidence is relevant," Whalen countered, overruling Gallivan’s objection.
Police said Moon was stabbed five times in the chest and abdomen in a fight that began over money. Lyson’s defense attorneys say the wrong man is on trial this week and that Terrance L. Jackson of Odessa delivered the fatal blows in the fight. Jackson is being held in the Ector County Detention Center in connection with unrelated theft charges.
Moon’s girlfriend at the time of his death testified Tuesday she saw Lyson stab Moon. The second day of testimony in the trial continues.
Lyson faces five years to life in prison if convicted.
BY JIM MUSTIAN
A knife found in the backpack of Christopher David Lyson bearing the red letters "KKK" is not prejudicial and is relevant in the 2008 stabbing death of 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon, Judge Denn Whalen ruled Wednesday morning in 70th District Court.
DNA testing determined the knife and another utility knife found in the bag were not connected to Moon’s death. Lyson’s defense attorney Dusty Gallivan objected to the jury viewing photographs of the knives.
"These knives have no evidentiary value," Gallivan said, adding they would be prejudicial to his client. He later referred to the knife as a collector’s item.
"I think the evidence is relevant," Whalen countered, overruling Gallivan’s objection.
Police said Moon was stabbed five times in the chest and abdomen in a fight that began over money. Lyson’s defense attorneys say the wrong man is on trial this week and that Terrance L. Jackson of Odessa delivered the fatal blows in the fight. Jackson is being held in the Ector County Detention Center in connection with unrelated theft charges.
Moon’s girlfriend at the time of his death testified Tuesday she saw Lyson stab Moon. The second day of testimony in the trial continues.
Lyson faces five years to life in prison if convicted.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
11-17-09 Stabbing death trial Odessa American
November 17, 2009 2:50 PM
BY JIM MUSTIAN
After several hours of jury selection, the murder trial of an Odessa man charged with stabbing a man a to death is scheduled to begin Tuesday afternoon. Christopher David Lyson, 31, is on trial in connection with the stabbing death of 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon of Odessa.
The jury of six men and six women is scheduled to hear opening statements at 3 p.m. in Judge Denn Wahlen’s 70th District Court.
Odessa police said Lyson stabbed Moon several times in the chest and abdomen after an argument. Moon was rushed in a private vehicle to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died about 30 minutes after he was admitted, court documents show.
A grand jury indicted Lyson in July 2008 on one count of murder. He faces five years to life in prison if convicted.
Whalen has yet to rule on a motion made Tuesday morning by Lyson’s defense attorneys to exclude photographs of two knives from the prosecution’s evidence. Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham acknowledged the state does not have a murder weapon and intends to argue the knives — reportedly found in a backpack belonging to the defendant — demonstrate Lyson’s propensity to carry a dangerous weapon.
Defense lawyer Dusty Gallivan said one of the knives bears the letters "KKK" and would be too prejudicial for the jury.
BY JIM MUSTIAN
After several hours of jury selection, the murder trial of an Odessa man charged with stabbing a man a to death is scheduled to begin Tuesday afternoon. Christopher David Lyson, 31, is on trial in connection with the stabbing death of 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon of Odessa.
The jury of six men and six women is scheduled to hear opening statements at 3 p.m. in Judge Denn Wahlen’s 70th District Court.
Odessa police said Lyson stabbed Moon several times in the chest and abdomen after an argument. Moon was rushed in a private vehicle to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died about 30 minutes after he was admitted, court documents show.
A grand jury indicted Lyson in July 2008 on one count of murder. He faces five years to life in prison if convicted.
Whalen has yet to rule on a motion made Tuesday morning by Lyson’s defense attorneys to exclude photographs of two knives from the prosecution’s evidence. Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham acknowledged the state does not have a murder weapon and intends to argue the knives — reportedly found in a backpack belonging to the defendant — demonstrate Lyson’s propensity to carry a dangerous weapon.
Defense lawyer Dusty Gallivan said one of the knives bears the letters "KKK" and would be too prejudicial for the jury.
11-17-09 Lyson on trial Odessa American
November 17, 2009 9:25 PM
BY JIM MUSTIAN
Last year, Ryan Adam Moon, 26, was killed in a fight Odessa authorities said began over owed money. The question posed to an Ector County jury this week is who killed him.
According to the nurses who tried futilely to save his life, Moon implicated Terrance L. Jackson of Odessa — the man who reportedly owed Moon money — in one of his dying breaths on a hospital bed.
But the man on trial this week and facing murder charges is 31-year-old Christopher David Lyson. Prosecutors and an eyewitness say Lyson came to Jackson’s aid during the fight, which occurred in front of Jackson’s mother’s mobile home at 707 Bunche Ave.
Jackson is being held in the Ector County Detention Center in connection with property theft charges and could not be reached for comment.
Moon was stabbed five times in the chest and abdomen, court documents show. After the fight, his girlfriend, Jamayea Brockett, 26, of Odessa, rushed him to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died about 30 minutes later.
Brockett testified Tuesday she heard Moon say it was Lyson who delivered the fatal blows.
“‘Your homeboy didn’t have to stab me like that,’” she recalled her boyfriend telling Jackson.
But Lyson’s defense lawyer, Dusty Gallivan accused Brockett of changing her story from the night of the stabbing. He said Brockett did not tell authorities about Lyson’s exchange with Jackson in her written statement or in a taped interview with detectives.
“You’ve told at least two versions of what happened,” Gallivan said, adding Brockett made no effort to correct the nurses’ statements.
Gallivan also pointed out the fight happened about midnight and the lighting was too poor for Brockett to see exactly what happened.
As for a murder weapon, Brockett said she did not see any knife that night. Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham said before the trial the state had not recovered the weapon believed to be used in the stabbing. But prosecutors intend to introduce photographs of two knives reportedly found in Lyson’s backpack. Cunningham said the knives could show Lyson’s tendency to carry dangerous weapons.
Gallivan made a motion to exclude the photographs before the trial began Tuesday, arguing they would be too prejudicial for the jury because one of the weapons bears the letters “KKK.” Both knives were tested for DNA and not linked to the alleged stabbing.
Judge Denn Whalen said he would rule on Gallivan’s motion later in the trial. Testimony is scheduled to resume this morning at 9 a.m. in 70th District Court.
BY JIM MUSTIAN
Last year, Ryan Adam Moon, 26, was killed in a fight Odessa authorities said began over owed money. The question posed to an Ector County jury this week is who killed him.
According to the nurses who tried futilely to save his life, Moon implicated Terrance L. Jackson of Odessa — the man who reportedly owed Moon money — in one of his dying breaths on a hospital bed.
But the man on trial this week and facing murder charges is 31-year-old Christopher David Lyson. Prosecutors and an eyewitness say Lyson came to Jackson’s aid during the fight, which occurred in front of Jackson’s mother’s mobile home at 707 Bunche Ave.
Jackson is being held in the Ector County Detention Center in connection with property theft charges and could not be reached for comment.
Moon was stabbed five times in the chest and abdomen, court documents show. After the fight, his girlfriend, Jamayea Brockett, 26, of Odessa, rushed him to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died about 30 minutes later.
Brockett testified Tuesday she heard Moon say it was Lyson who delivered the fatal blows.
“‘Your homeboy didn’t have to stab me like that,’” she recalled her boyfriend telling Jackson.
But Lyson’s defense lawyer, Dusty Gallivan accused Brockett of changing her story from the night of the stabbing. He said Brockett did not tell authorities about Lyson’s exchange with Jackson in her written statement or in a taped interview with detectives.
“You’ve told at least two versions of what happened,” Gallivan said, adding Brockett made no effort to correct the nurses’ statements.
Gallivan also pointed out the fight happened about midnight and the lighting was too poor for Brockett to see exactly what happened.
As for a murder weapon, Brockett said she did not see any knife that night. Assistant District Attorney Justin Cunningham said before the trial the state had not recovered the weapon believed to be used in the stabbing. But prosecutors intend to introduce photographs of two knives reportedly found in Lyson’s backpack. Cunningham said the knives could show Lyson’s tendency to carry dangerous weapons.
Gallivan made a motion to exclude the photographs before the trial began Tuesday, arguing they would be too prejudicial for the jury because one of the weapons bears the letters “KKK.” Both knives were tested for DNA and not linked to the alleged stabbing.
Judge Denn Whalen said he would rule on Gallivan’s motion later in the trial. Testimony is scheduled to resume this morning at 9 a.m. in 70th District Court.
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Man Fatally Stabbed, Odessa
http://permianbasin360.com/content/fulltext/?cid=5510
Reported by: Stefanie Jay
Thursday, May 29, 2008 @07:15pm CDT
Today it's a quiet street. But before the sunrise, a man had lost his life. 26 year old Ryan Moon was stabbed several times in the chest in the 700 block of Bunch Avenue. Witnesses report seeing a grey sedan leaving the scene. It's those tips that lead police outside of Odessa. Cpl. Sherrie Carruth of Odessa Police says, "We contacted Midland police. They went out and checked on an address given, and the suspects were there." three people were arrested, including 29 year old Christopher Lyson. He has been charged with first degree felony murder. "These other two have been interviewed; some things investigators are following up on." Police say it was not a domestic dispute, and wouldn't say if the stabbing was gang-related. We went door to door to talk to neighbors about the case but no one answered. Authorities say they've got the right guy. But their investigation continues.
Reported by: Stefanie Jay
Thursday, May 29, 2008 @07:15pm CDT
Today it's a quiet street. But before the sunrise, a man had lost his life. 26 year old Ryan Moon was stabbed several times in the chest in the 700 block of Bunch Avenue. Witnesses report seeing a grey sedan leaving the scene. It's those tips that lead police outside of Odessa. Cpl. Sherrie Carruth of Odessa Police says, "We contacted Midland police. They went out and checked on an address given, and the suspects were there." three people were arrested, including 29 year old Christopher Lyson. He has been charged with first degree felony murder. "These other two have been interviewed; some things investigators are following up on." Police say it was not a domestic dispute, and wouldn't say if the stabbing was gang-related. We went door to door to talk to neighbors about the case but no one answered. Authorities say they've got the right guy. But their investigation continues.
01-05-09 Homicides up in Ector County, Odessa
Homicides up in Ector County, OdessaComments 0 Recommend 0
January 5, 2009 - 11:01 AM
BY DOUG CARMAN
The year brought a rise in homicides throughout Ector County.
The Ector County Sheriff's Office and the Odessa Police Department reported a total of 13 homicides -including two murder-suicides - through Dec. 13. This was more than the eight homicides reported in all of 2007 and the four reported in 2006.
Odessa Police Cpl. Sherrie Carruth did not comment on how the number of homicides in the city, which had nine of the 13 homicides in the county, would compare to the rate seen during the oil bust of the 1980s, when Odessa was dubbed the murder capital of America.
"We definitely had more murders," she said. "It's hard to compare it to the '80s since none of us have gone through it."
The following are summaries of the 13 homicides reported by the Odessa Police Department and the Ector County Sheriff's Office:
>> Rene Roman, 20, was stabbed to death Jan. 6 at the Graham Central Station nightclub parking lot, 4240 Preston Smith Road. Roman was of Andrews.
Arnaldo "Nano" Ramirez, 20, of 4700 Shady Lane Drive in Midland, was arrested three days later in connection to the stabbing. He remains in the Ector County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
>> Susan Kay "Nanny" Clark, 59, was found dead Feb. 1 at her West Odessa home at 3547 N. Ferguson Ave., after being strangled.
Jan David Clark, her husband, was arrested the same day and remains in the Ector County Detention Center on a $300,000 bond in connection to her death. The accused told an Odessa American reporter he killed his wife because a demon was in her body.
>> Juan Cardenas Soria, 50, and Maria Navarette Porras, 43, were both found dead at a home Feb. 17 at 2110 N. Hancock Ave., each with a single gunshot wound. Porras was a nurse's aide.
Police determined it to be a murder-suicide. Preliminary lab results suggested Soria was the shooter.
>> Cornelius J. Washington, 24, collapsed at the entrance to the Rose Hill Cemetery and died after he was shot with a shotgun Feb. 19, following an argument at Billy's Zodiac Club, 400 S. Dixie Blvd.
Billy Gene Harris Jr., 21, was subsequently arrested and charged with Washington's death. He's being held without bond at the Ector County Detention Center.
>> Ryan Adam Moon, 26, died at the Odessa Regional Medical Center after he was stabbed May 30 in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue.
Christopher David Lyson, 29, was arrested June 5 in Midland, transferred to Ector County Detention Center and charged with Moon's death. He's being held without bond.
>> Robert Clayton Thornhill, 25, was reported missing May 21 before his body was found northwest of Goldsmith June 17. Police said four suspects said they slit his throat and shot him with a crossbow.
Derek Elms, 20, Willie Carl Hurst, 18, Heather Mitchell, 19, and Kathleen Newbury, 20, were all arrested and charged with Thornhill's death in June. They pleaded not guilty in September and are all at the Ector County Detention Center without bond, awaiting trial. The final autopsy results were being withheld by the Odessa Police Department.
>> Jarrett Wesley Weaver, 23, and Kelsi Miller Weaver, 22, were both found dead with gunshot wounds Oct. 7 at the Spanish Oaks East Apartments, 4630 Oakwood Drive No. 206. Kelsi Weaver worked at Ector County Abstract Co., was a part-time waitress at Harrigan's and was also a student at Odessa College. Jarrett Weaver was a welder and worked at a gym.
Police immediately suspected the deaths were part of a murder-suicide. After further investigation, they determined Jarrett shot Kelsi before turning the gun on himself.
>> Rey Valdez, 20, died at Medical Center Hospital Oct. 9 after he was fatally shot during a dispute near his home at 7306 Hughes Lane north of Odessa early that morning. Valdez worked for Eagle Compressions.
Seven suspects either turned themselves in or were apprehended in connection to Valdez's death by the end of October. Kevin Rance Jackson, 35, was arrested in Midland while Billy Wayne Haynes, 32, Hannah Psalm Fierros, 26, Summer Wilkins, 27, George Buford Scott, 36, Greta Lee Caldwell, 29, and David Wayne Callaway, 47, were arrested in Odessa. All were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in Valdez's slaying. All of them are at the Ector County Detention Center on bonds ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, except for Callaway and Fierros, who are being held without bond. Sheriff's investigators are still trying to locate the gun used in Valdez's slaying.
>> Ray Sauceda Jr., 25, was found slumped in his car, killed by multiple gunshot wounds in his chest at approximately 10:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the High Plains Apartments parking lot, 3727 Andrews Highway. Sauceda, of Odessa, was an automotive mechanic.
Police investigators still have no suspects in the shooting.
>> Thomas Fisher Goodnight, 53, was found lying on the floor of his home by his employer after he was slain by a shotgun wound in his neck and upper chest on Nov. 12 at 5447 E. Hammett Drive south of Odessa, which also doubled as a motorcycle club hangout.
Sheriff's investigators still have no suspects in the shooting.
>> Rodolfo Alvarez Sanchez Jr., 27, died at Medical Center Hospital Dec. 12, after he called 9-1-1 and reported that someone shot him with a shotgun near the intersection of Boles Drive and Kellogg Avenue in West Odessa. Sanchez, of Odessa, was an oilfield supervisor.
Sheriff's investigators still have no suspects in the shooting.
Some homicides that also grabbed the Permian Basin's attention included:
>> The May 7 stabbing deaths of Richard and Alicia Cherry at a bar in Pecos.
>> The July 22 stabbing of Jorge Silva, 47, in Crane, which, along with an assault on a woman and an attack on a police officer, led to a 20-hour manhunt in three counties.
>> The July 23 stabbing of Victor Vidal, 23, and the Sept. 11 shooting of Sylvia Zapata, 45, in Midland, which were both linked to an ongoing rivalry between two families.
January 5, 2009 - 11:01 AM
BY DOUG CARMAN
The year brought a rise in homicides throughout Ector County.
The Ector County Sheriff's Office and the Odessa Police Department reported a total of 13 homicides -including two murder-suicides - through Dec. 13. This was more than the eight homicides reported in all of 2007 and the four reported in 2006.
Odessa Police Cpl. Sherrie Carruth did not comment on how the number of homicides in the city, which had nine of the 13 homicides in the county, would compare to the rate seen during the oil bust of the 1980s, when Odessa was dubbed the murder capital of America.
"We definitely had more murders," she said. "It's hard to compare it to the '80s since none of us have gone through it."
The following are summaries of the 13 homicides reported by the Odessa Police Department and the Ector County Sheriff's Office:
>> Rene Roman, 20, was stabbed to death Jan. 6 at the Graham Central Station nightclub parking lot, 4240 Preston Smith Road. Roman was of Andrews.
Arnaldo "Nano" Ramirez, 20, of 4700 Shady Lane Drive in Midland, was arrested three days later in connection to the stabbing. He remains in the Ector County Detention Center on a $250,000 bond.
>> Susan Kay "Nanny" Clark, 59, was found dead Feb. 1 at her West Odessa home at 3547 N. Ferguson Ave., after being strangled.
Jan David Clark, her husband, was arrested the same day and remains in the Ector County Detention Center on a $300,000 bond in connection to her death. The accused told an Odessa American reporter he killed his wife because a demon was in her body.
>> Juan Cardenas Soria, 50, and Maria Navarette Porras, 43, were both found dead at a home Feb. 17 at 2110 N. Hancock Ave., each with a single gunshot wound. Porras was a nurse's aide.
Police determined it to be a murder-suicide. Preliminary lab results suggested Soria was the shooter.
>> Cornelius J. Washington, 24, collapsed at the entrance to the Rose Hill Cemetery and died after he was shot with a shotgun Feb. 19, following an argument at Billy's Zodiac Club, 400 S. Dixie Blvd.
Billy Gene Harris Jr., 21, was subsequently arrested and charged with Washington's death. He's being held without bond at the Ector County Detention Center.
>> Ryan Adam Moon, 26, died at the Odessa Regional Medical Center after he was stabbed May 30 in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue.
Christopher David Lyson, 29, was arrested June 5 in Midland, transferred to Ector County Detention Center and charged with Moon's death. He's being held without bond.
>> Robert Clayton Thornhill, 25, was reported missing May 21 before his body was found northwest of Goldsmith June 17. Police said four suspects said they slit his throat and shot him with a crossbow.
Derek Elms, 20, Willie Carl Hurst, 18, Heather Mitchell, 19, and Kathleen Newbury, 20, were all arrested and charged with Thornhill's death in June. They pleaded not guilty in September and are all at the Ector County Detention Center without bond, awaiting trial. The final autopsy results were being withheld by the Odessa Police Department.
>> Jarrett Wesley Weaver, 23, and Kelsi Miller Weaver, 22, were both found dead with gunshot wounds Oct. 7 at the Spanish Oaks East Apartments, 4630 Oakwood Drive No. 206. Kelsi Weaver worked at Ector County Abstract Co., was a part-time waitress at Harrigan's and was also a student at Odessa College. Jarrett Weaver was a welder and worked at a gym.
Police immediately suspected the deaths were part of a murder-suicide. After further investigation, they determined Jarrett shot Kelsi before turning the gun on himself.
>> Rey Valdez, 20, died at Medical Center Hospital Oct. 9 after he was fatally shot during a dispute near his home at 7306 Hughes Lane north of Odessa early that morning. Valdez worked for Eagle Compressions.
Seven suspects either turned themselves in or were apprehended in connection to Valdez's death by the end of October. Kevin Rance Jackson, 35, was arrested in Midland while Billy Wayne Haynes, 32, Hannah Psalm Fierros, 26, Summer Wilkins, 27, George Buford Scott, 36, Greta Lee Caldwell, 29, and David Wayne Callaway, 47, were arrested in Odessa. All were charged with engaging in organized criminal activity in Valdez's slaying. All of them are at the Ector County Detention Center on bonds ranging from $250,000 to $500,000, except for Callaway and Fierros, who are being held without bond. Sheriff's investigators are still trying to locate the gun used in Valdez's slaying.
>> Ray Sauceda Jr., 25, was found slumped in his car, killed by multiple gunshot wounds in his chest at approximately 10:30 p.m. Oct. 15 at the High Plains Apartments parking lot, 3727 Andrews Highway. Sauceda, of Odessa, was an automotive mechanic.
Police investigators still have no suspects in the shooting.
>> Thomas Fisher Goodnight, 53, was found lying on the floor of his home by his employer after he was slain by a shotgun wound in his neck and upper chest on Nov. 12 at 5447 E. Hammett Drive south of Odessa, which also doubled as a motorcycle club hangout.
Sheriff's investigators still have no suspects in the shooting.
>> Rodolfo Alvarez Sanchez Jr., 27, died at Medical Center Hospital Dec. 12, after he called 9-1-1 and reported that someone shot him with a shotgun near the intersection of Boles Drive and Kellogg Avenue in West Odessa. Sanchez, of Odessa, was an oilfield supervisor.
Sheriff's investigators still have no suspects in the shooting.
Some homicides that also grabbed the Permian Basin's attention included:
>> The May 7 stabbing deaths of Richard and Alicia Cherry at a bar in Pecos.
>> The July 22 stabbing of Jorge Silva, 47, in Crane, which, along with an assault on a woman and an attack on a police officer, led to a 20-hour manhunt in three counties.
>> The July 23 stabbing of Victor Vidal, 23, and the Sept. 11 shooting of Sylvia Zapata, 45, in Midland, which were both linked to an ongoing rivalry between two families.
06-05-08 Stabbing investigation
Stabbing investigation
Comments 3 Recommend 2
Odessan charged in homicide remains in jail
June 5, 2008 - 5:00PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
A 29-year-old Odessa man arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a 26-year-old man in late May remained Thursday in the Ector County Detention Center.
Ector County Sgt. Gary Duesler said Christopher David Lyson was being held on a $500,000 bond.
Duesler said Lyson was moved Monday from the Midland County Detention Center to the Ector County Detention Center.
Lyson was charged in connection with the May 30 stabbing death of Ryan Adam Moon in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue. Moon was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died.Odessa Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said the stabbing investigation is continuing.
Comments 3 Recommend 2
Odessan charged in homicide remains in jail
June 5, 2008 - 5:00PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
A 29-year-old Odessa man arrested in connection with the stabbing death of a 26-year-old man in late May remained Thursday in the Ector County Detention Center.
Ector County Sgt. Gary Duesler said Christopher David Lyson was being held on a $500,000 bond.
Duesler said Lyson was moved Monday from the Midland County Detention Center to the Ector County Detention Center.
Lyson was charged in connection with the May 30 stabbing death of Ryan Adam Moon in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue. Moon was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died.Odessa Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said the stabbing investigation is continuing.
06-01-08 $1 Million Bond
$1 million bond
Comments 0 Recommend 1
Odessa man remains jailed in connection with homicide case
June 1, 2008 - 9:25PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
MIDLAND COUNTY A 29-year-old Odessa man remained Sunday in the Midland County Detention Center after his bond was set Friday.
A Midland County Detention Center employee said Christopher David Lyson, 29, remained Sunday in the Midland County Detention Center on a $1,000,000 bond.
Lyson was charged in connection with the Thursday morning stabbing death of Ryan Adam Moon in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue. Moon was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died.A news release said no other arrests have been made in the case and the investigation is continuing.
Comments 0 Recommend 1
Odessa man remains jailed in connection with homicide case
June 1, 2008 - 9:25PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
MIDLAND COUNTY A 29-year-old Odessa man remained Sunday in the Midland County Detention Center after his bond was set Friday.
A Midland County Detention Center employee said Christopher David Lyson, 29, remained Sunday in the Midland County Detention Center on a $1,000,000 bond.
Lyson was charged in connection with the Thursday morning stabbing death of Ryan Adam Moon in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue. Moon was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he died.A news release said no other arrests have been made in the case and the investigation is continuing.
5-30-08 Man Accused Of Killing Ryan Moon Has Bond Set At One Million Dollars
Man Accused Of Killing Ryan Moon Has Bond Set At One Million Dollars 5-30-08
CBS News StaffMay 30, 2008Christopher David Lyson, the man accused of killing twenty six year old Ryan Moon of Odessa has his bond set at one million dollars.Lyson stands accused of stabbing Moon twice in the chest yesterday morning in the 700 block of Bunche in South Odessa.Midland Justice of the Peace David Kobos set Lyson's bond at one million dollars this afternoon.Lyson is who is from Odessa is charged with murder.He is still in the Midland County Jail.
CBS News StaffMay 30, 2008Christopher David Lyson, the man accused of killing twenty six year old Ryan Moon of Odessa has his bond set at one million dollars.Lyson stands accused of stabbing Moon twice in the chest yesterday morning in the 700 block of Bunche in South Odessa.Midland Justice of the Peace David Kobos set Lyson's bond at one million dollars this afternoon.Lyson is who is from Odessa is charged with murder.He is still in the Midland County Jail.
5-30-08 Homicide Suspect
Homicide suspect
Comments 8 Recommend 10
Inmate awaits bond
May 30, 2008 - 5:42PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
MIDLAND COUNTY A Midland man was still waiting Friday for his bond to be set after he was charged in the Thursday stabbing death of 26-year-old Adam Moon.
Christopher David Lyson, 29, remained Friday in the Midland County Detention Center. Bond had not yet been set.
Lyson was charged with murder in connection with Moon's death. Police reported Moon was stabbed in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue, then went by private car to Odessa Regional Hospital where he later died.Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said Friday that Moon's body was taken Thursday to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office in Fort Worth. Preliminary autopsy results hadn't been returned Friday.
Comments 8 Recommend 10
Inmate awaits bond
May 30, 2008 - 5:42PM
ODESSA AMERICAN
MIDLAND COUNTY A Midland man was still waiting Friday for his bond to be set after he was charged in the Thursday stabbing death of 26-year-old Adam Moon.
Christopher David Lyson, 29, remained Friday in the Midland County Detention Center. Bond had not yet been set.
Lyson was charged with murder in connection with Moon's death. Police reported Moon was stabbed in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue, then went by private car to Odessa Regional Hospital where he later died.Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said Friday that Moon's body was taken Thursday to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's office in Fort Worth. Preliminary autopsy results hadn't been returned Friday.
5-29-08 Midlander Arrested For Odessa Murder
Midlander Arrested For Odessa Murder 05/29/08
Mike BarkerCBS 7 NewsMay 29, 2008Odessa/Midland, TX. - Odessa and Midland police worked together and arrested the suspect in a stabbing death within seven hours of the murder.26 year old Ryan Moon died after he was allegedly stabbed to death by 29 year old Christopher David Lyson. Moon and Lyson reportedly had an argument in the 700 block of Bunche Street in Odessa around one this morning. Police say Lyson stabbed Moon several times in the chest. Moon died around four this morning in the emergency room at Odessa REGIONAL Medical Center.Odessa police alerted Midland police who later arrested Lyson at his Hunters Glen apartment on Midland Drive. Lyson is being held in the Midland County jail for arraignment Friday before a judge.
Mike BarkerCBS 7 NewsMay 29, 2008Odessa/Midland, TX. - Odessa and Midland police worked together and arrested the suspect in a stabbing death within seven hours of the murder.26 year old Ryan Moon died after he was allegedly stabbed to death by 29 year old Christopher David Lyson. Moon and Lyson reportedly had an argument in the 700 block of Bunche Street in Odessa around one this morning. Police say Lyson stabbed Moon several times in the chest. Moon died around four this morning in the emergency room at Odessa REGIONAL Medical Center.Odessa police alerted Midland police who later arrested Lyson at his Hunters Glen apartment on Midland Drive. Lyson is being held in the Midland County jail for arraignment Friday before a judge.
5-29-08 Grieving Adam Moon
Grieving Adam Moon
Comments 6 Recommend 19
Police arrest one during investigation
May 29, 2008 - 9:12AM
BY CASEY FORAN
An investigation into the stabbing death of an Odessa man continued Thursday as family and friends grieved the loss of 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon.
"I'm still in shock," said Stephanie Mariscal, Ryan Adam Moon's ex-girlfriend. "I'm still upset about this."
Mariscal said she heard about the loss of her former boyfriend Thursday morning when Moon's mother called her.
"She told me, and I couldn't believe it," she said. "I mean, we were first together in high school and went out for 10 years altogether."
Mariscal said Moon's mother was very upset and said "it's not a good time for her right now."
Detective Sgt. Paul Shepherd said in a news release that Moon was stabbed in the chest in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue. Moon was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center by a private vehicle where he later died.
Mariscal said she was surprised by the violent nature of Moon's death.
"He wasn't the type of person to put himself in this situation," she said. "I don't know who'd want to do this to him."
Shepherd said Christopher David Lyson, 29, was arrested in Midland with help from the Midland Police Department and charged with murder. Lyson remained Thursday in the Midland County Detention Center. Bond had not been set Thursday.
Odessa police Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said two two suspects were interviewed in Midland, but no other arrests had been made in the case.
Bunch Avenue resident Larry Flax said the fight that woke him up isn't a normal occurrence on his street.
"They woke me up and I couldn't get back to sleep, but this doesn't happen a lot," he said.
Flax said he didn't know what started the fight, but he knew one of the men involved.
"One of the guys stays here with his mom sometimes," he said, declining to give the name of the man.
Meanwhile, Mariscal said Moon, who went by his middle name, was a caring man.
"He knew when to joke and when to be serious," she said. "We went out for 10 years. He was always there for anybody who needed help."
Comments 6 Recommend 19
Police arrest one during investigation
May 29, 2008 - 9:12AM
BY CASEY FORAN
An investigation into the stabbing death of an Odessa man continued Thursday as family and friends grieved the loss of 26-year-old Ryan Adam Moon.
"I'm still in shock," said Stephanie Mariscal, Ryan Adam Moon's ex-girlfriend. "I'm still upset about this."
Mariscal said she heard about the loss of her former boyfriend Thursday morning when Moon's mother called her.
"She told me, and I couldn't believe it," she said. "I mean, we were first together in high school and went out for 10 years altogether."
Mariscal said Moon's mother was very upset and said "it's not a good time for her right now."
Detective Sgt. Paul Shepherd said in a news release that Moon was stabbed in the chest in the 700 block of Bunche Avenue. Moon was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center by a private vehicle where he later died.
Mariscal said she was surprised by the violent nature of Moon's death.
"He wasn't the type of person to put himself in this situation," she said. "I don't know who'd want to do this to him."
Shepherd said Christopher David Lyson, 29, was arrested in Midland with help from the Midland Police Department and charged with murder. Lyson remained Thursday in the Midland County Detention Center. Bond had not been set Thursday.
Odessa police Cpl. Sherrie Carruth said two two suspects were interviewed in Midland, but no other arrests had been made in the case.
Bunch Avenue resident Larry Flax said the fight that woke him up isn't a normal occurrence on his street.
"They woke me up and I couldn't get back to sleep, but this doesn't happen a lot," he said.
Flax said he didn't know what started the fight, but he knew one of the men involved.
"One of the guys stays here with his mom sometimes," he said, declining to give the name of the man.
Meanwhile, Mariscal said Moon, who went by his middle name, was a caring man.
"He knew when to joke and when to be serious," she said. "We went out for 10 years. He was always there for anybody who needed help."
5-29-08 Police News Release
John A. Blanco
Interim Chief of Police
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: May 29, 2008 REPORT NO: 08-10167
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Murder, Felony First Degree
DATE/TIME OCCURRED: May 29, 2008, at approximately 0145 hours
LOCATION: 700 block of Bunche, Odessa, Texas
SUMMARY/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At approximately 1:15p.m., an arrest warrant was obtained by investigators of the Metro
Homicide Unit for the murder of Ryan Moon, which occurred earlier this date.
Odessa Municipal Court Judge Dennis Jones issued an arrest warrant for Christopher David
Lyson, a white male, 29 years of age, for the offense of Murder, a Felony of the First Degree.
Christopher Lyson will be booked into the Midland County Jail where he will be arraigned on
this charge.
This Unit would like to express their appreciation for the assistance provided by the Midland
Police Department during this investigation. Their assistance led to the rapid and successful
apprehension of this defendant. This investigation continues. . . .
Interim Chief of Police
NEWS RELEASE
DATE: May 29, 2008 REPORT NO: 08-10167
TYPE OF INCIDENT: Murder, Felony First Degree
DATE/TIME OCCURRED: May 29, 2008, at approximately 0145 hours
LOCATION: 700 block of Bunche, Odessa, Texas
SUMMARY/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
At approximately 1:15p.m., an arrest warrant was obtained by investigators of the Metro
Homicide Unit for the murder of Ryan Moon, which occurred earlier this date.
Odessa Municipal Court Judge Dennis Jones issued an arrest warrant for Christopher David
Lyson, a white male, 29 years of age, for the offense of Murder, a Felony of the First Degree.
Christopher Lyson will be booked into the Midland County Jail where he will be arraigned on
this charge.
This Unit would like to express their appreciation for the assistance provided by the Midland
Police Department during this investigation. Their assistance led to the rapid and successful
apprehension of this defendant. This investigation continues. . . .
May 29, 2008 Man Arrested for Murder in Odessa
Man Arrested for Murder in Odessa
Posted:
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May 29, 2008 09:15 AM CDT
Updated:
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May 29, 2008 07:06 PM CDT
Featured Videos
Man Arrested for Murder in Odessa (5-29-08)
Christopher Lyson
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Staff ReportNewsWest 9
ODESSA - A man has been arrested for the murder of an Odessa man. 29-year old Christopher David Lyson was arrested in Midland County just after 1:00 Thursday afternoon. Lyson was charged with the murder of 26-year-old Ryan Moon.
Odessa police Moon was involved in a fight and was stabbed in the chest around 1:45 Thursday morning in the 700 block of Bunche in Odessa. He was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he later died.
Witnesses reported seeing a gray sedan leave the scene of the stabbing. Based on information obtained during the investigation, Midland police were able to locate the suspect's vehicle.
Three search warrants were executed at various locations in Midland and Odessa. Three people were interviewed in Midland to determine their involvement in the crime. There's no word if more arrests could be coming, but Odessa police say their investigation continues.
Moon's body will be taken to Tarrant County for an autopsy.
Posted:
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May 29, 2008 09:15 AM CDT
Updated:
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May 29, 2008 07:06 PM CDT
Featured Videos
Man Arrested for Murder in Odessa (5-29-08)
Christopher Lyson
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Staff ReportNewsWest 9
ODESSA - A man has been arrested for the murder of an Odessa man. 29-year old Christopher David Lyson was arrested in Midland County just after 1:00 Thursday afternoon. Lyson was charged with the murder of 26-year-old Ryan Moon.
Odessa police Moon was involved in a fight and was stabbed in the chest around 1:45 Thursday morning in the 700 block of Bunche in Odessa. He was taken to Odessa Regional Medical Center where he later died.
Witnesses reported seeing a gray sedan leave the scene of the stabbing. Based on information obtained during the investigation, Midland police were able to locate the suspect's vehicle.
Three search warrants were executed at various locations in Midland and Odessa. Three people were interviewed in Midland to determine their involvement in the crime. There's no word if more arrests could be coming, but Odessa police say their investigation continues.
Moon's body will be taken to Tarrant County for an autopsy.
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