Judge sentences man to 60 years for attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery on The Murfreesboro Post

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Judge sentences man to 60 years for attempted murder, kidnapping, robbery

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By: Lisa Marchesoni

Posted: Friday, June 12, 2009 3:41 pm

Victim Darice Brown, who was shot and left for dead, cried “tears of joy” when a judge sentenced the shooter to a 60-year prison term Friday.

A Circuit Court jury convicted Bryiant Overton, 25, of Southeast Broad Street in March of attempted first-degree murder of Brown, especially aggravated robbery, especially aggravated kidnapping and conspiracy with three other people.

During a hearing, Circuit Court Judge David M. Bragg sentenced Overton to the 60-year sentence as a dangerous offender. He must serve more than 46 years before being eligible for parole. A life sentence is a minimum 51 years.

Overton shot Brown multiple times the night of Dec. 15, 2007 off Beesley Road in the Blackman community. Brown, 30, of Bellevidere, used her elbows to crawl into the middle of Beesley Road for help.

Co-defendant Kristie Ray pleaded guilty earlier. Trial for co-defendants Robert and Kesha Adams is set in September.

During the trial, Brown testified she set up a cocaine deal between Overton, the Adamses and Ray with a man only known as “BI” who has not been identified. Afterwards, Overton shot her.

Dr. Richard Miller testified the injuries threatened Brown’s life. She suffered six gunshot wounds to her body in her abdomen, liver, left thigh, left leg, back and buttocks. Injuries to her liver, rectum and femur resulted in major surgeries.

Brown walked up to the witness stand with the aid of a cane when she testified Friday.

Assistant District Attorney Paul Newman asked her about her present injuries.

Brown still suffers disabilities from a bullet fragments in her liver, bladder and hip. Three bullets remain in her body.

She told Bragg she thought a lengthy sentence would be appropriate.

Overton addressed Bragg.

“I think this case is bogus,” Overton said, accusing Brown of lying on the witness stand.
“It didn’t happen like she said.”

Newman asked for the maximum sentences because Overton was a leader in the crimes and had little regard for human life in shooting Brown and leaving her to die.

“I ask the court to sentence him a total of 60 years,” Newman said. “He has no remorse or no respect for what the victim has gone through.”

Overton is a person who should be incarcerated, he said.

“She lives in fear of him being released,” Newman said in asking for the lengthy sentence. “She won’t have to worry about him for a very, very long time.”

Court-appointed defense attorney Will Fraley said Overton was not a leader in the crimes. He didn’t have a firearm and turned himself in to sheriff’s Detective Ty Downing who investigated.

“He is someone I believe can be rehabilitated,” Fraley said.

In his ruling, Bragg said Overton was a leader in the crimes. He “allowed the victim to be treated with exceptional cruelty” resulting in serious bodily injuries.

“You are a dangerous offender with little regard for human life,” Bragg said.

After the sentence, Brown said she believed Overton got the sentence he deserved.

“I feel safe now,” Brown said. “I can sleep at night now. The comment about it being bogus, I wonder if it’s still bogus after he’s facing 60 years.”

She thanked God for helping her survive the ordeal and warned women to “be careful who you get into the car with.”

“I’ve learned to be strong,” Brown said.

Newman thanked Detectives Downing and D.J. Jackson who investigated and the MTSU Criminal Justice Department interns who helped prepare the case.

“I am proud of Derice Brown,” Newman said. “She showed a lot of courage in prosecuting the case and testifying. She had to go through all kinds of medical procedures. She’s a fantastic individual.”

Fraley said he didn’t want to comment.

Tagged under Bryiant Overton, Circuit Court, Crime, Derice Brown, Judge David M. Bragg

Member Opinions:

By: Trvlace on 6/12/09
How can they say this woman is fantastic? Am I missing something? She setup a cocaine deal! That is fantastic? She got shot, maybe she didn't deserve that, but who knows. How can anyone trust a word from her lips? Oh brudda.

By: qwertyuiop on 6/12/09
always like great positive news....NOT!

Does this seriously have to be "HEADLINE" news?
Isn't there something better to talk about in this town?

LAME....

By: whizkid on 6/14/09
I agree with Trvlace. She was involved in a criminal act. However, she did not deserve the action taken against her.
We need to wake up to the violence in this County.

Judge Bragg did the citizens of Rutherford Co. a favor by getting this man off the streets.