Accused Rankin County murderers remained jailed - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS

Accused Rankin County murderers remained jailed

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By Jewell Hillery - bio | email
Walter Burton Walter Burton
Jermaine Tyler Jermaine Tyler
BRANDON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -

The two men charged with capital murder in the brutal death of a Rankin County woman made their initial appearance before a judge this morning. Thirty seven year-old Leslie Sheppard was shot and killed after an attempted burglary in her home last week.

Emotions filled the courtroom today, but not the type you'd typically expect in a murder hearing. Walter Burton and Jermaine Tyler sat emotionless as they appeared before Rankin County Judge Kent McDaniel Tuesday morning. The two are charged with capital murder in the fatal shooting death of Sheppard.

Sheppard's family listened during Tuesday's hearing. Her mother Teresa Sheppard says her family's faith is keeping them strong.

 "I love her and what happened to her was a horrible horrible thing, just awful, but my god has undertaken for her family" said Teresa Sheppard.

In the midst of her family's grief, Sheppard's mom is confident that justice will be served. And she says her heart actually pleads forgiveness for her daughter's accused killers.

"If anything, I cry for them" added Sheppard. "I plead with god for them, but I also know that my heavenly father will not let this go without them paying the full price here on this earth." 

Sheppard died on September 27th after Burton and Tyler allegedly broke into her Rankin County home and shot her in the head.

This isn't Burton or Tyler's first run in with the law. But Burton's cousin says her family member isn't capable of such a heinous crime.

"We weren't raised like that, we were not raised like this, so I really don't know" said Ami Durr.

Sheppard's mom says the duo made a huge mistake, if they did indeed take her daughter's life.

"If these two men had known her they would have never done this thing" added Teresa Sheppard.

Tyler and Burton will remain in jail until October 18th which is the date of their scheduled preliminary hearing. It's at that time when a judge will decide whether or not to issue bond.

Copyright 2011 WLBT. All rights reserved.

Also on WLBT.com:

Rankin County murder suspects are no strangers to a courtroom

Two men charged with Rankin Co. woman's death head to court

Pennington: Murder victim surprised by burglar

Woman found murdered inside family home

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