3 admit to firing handguns multiple times when Trinity Gay, 15, was fatally shot
Three men admitted to firing handguns multiple times outside Cook Out restaurant where a 15-year-old was shot in the neck before she died, but they pleaded not guilty to charges Monday, according to court records.
Witnesses told police that people in two cars exchanged gunfire when Trinity Gay, daughter of Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay, was hit about 4 a.m. Sunday. Police announced Sunday night that they found both cars and filed wanton endangerment charges against Dvonta Middlebrooks, 21, Chazerae M. Taylor, 38, and D’markeo C. Taylor, 19. The Taylors are father and son. Middlebrooks also was charged with possession of a handgun by a felon.
The three pleaded not guilty during arraignment Monday in Fayette District Judge Bruce T. Bell’s courtroom. Bell left D’markeo and Chazerae Taylor’s bond at $5,000 each and kept Middlebrooks’ bond at $12,500.
The three men told police they fired their weapons multiple times outside the restaurant at 855 South Broadway, according to court records. Police have not said who was in what car or which one of the three is suspected of firing the shot that killed Trinity.
Trinity was at the restaurant with friends and was an innocent bystander, her family said previously.
Investigators are not looking for any additional suspects in the case, police said Monday.
Trinity’s autopsy was expected to be completed Monday morning, according to the Fayette County coroner. Meanwhile, police continue to “evaluate forensic evidence,” spokeswoman Brenna Angel said.
The three who were charged are due back in court on Oct. 25.
Trinity’s family released a statement Monday that said they were praying for the “families of the shooters.”
“We are thankful and grateful for all of the love, prayers and condolences,” the statement said.
“We are a close family. We have a strong relationship with God. We are deeply saddened for how this has affected not only our family but the lives of others that has lost a child, a friend or relative by these senseless acts of violence. We also believe in love and forgiveness.”
Other coverage:
3 charged in connection with slaying of Olympian Tyson Gay’s 15-year-old daughter
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‘We are just heartbroken.’ Counselors help students, staff cope with Trinity Gay’s shocking death
This story was originally published October 17, 2016 at 9:24 AM with the headline "3 admit to firing handguns multiple times when Trinity Gay, 15, was fatally shot."