Murderer of OKC trans woman makes plea
By Robin Dorner
Editor in Chief
In an unexpected move on Friday in Oklahoma City, Brandon Michael Tyson, 31, entered a blind plea in the November 27, 2017 murder of Brooklyn BreYanna Stevenson.
The plea was unexpected, according to Vivian Stevenson, mother of Brooklyn.
These links will give you the background on this tragic death:
Trans woman found dead in OKC hotel room
Arrest made in OKC trans murder
Celebrating the life of Brooklyn Breyanna
“I was told he has admitted killing her,” said Stevenson. “We met with the DA in December and Brandon wanted to do a plea for 30 years. The DA wanted to know my feelings about it, and I declined the offer.
“He needs to do life without parole.”
A blind plea is a guilty plea made by a criminal defendant when they have not entered a plea agreement and do not know the punishment the judge will impose. In a blind plea, the defendant is throwing themselves at the mercy of the court.
Stevenson said she heard just moments before the hearing Tyson was going to make the plea.
“They did it so quick we couldn’t get there. I hate that I could not be there. Our court advocate was not even in the building when the plea was made.”
A blind plea means there will not be a trial.
“I am disappointed in the fact that I don’t know why he killed my child,” said Stevenson. “He won’t tell us.
“It’s up to the judge now,” said Stevenson. “The only real option is life or life without parole.”
Stevenson said she plans to give a victim’s impact statement at the sentencing as well as other family and friends of Brooklyn’s.
“I kinda had a feeling he might end up doing a plea. I was hoping for a trial, but we found out he’s been trying to plea bargain all this time.”
Tyson’s sentencing will be April 24 at 9 a.m. at the Oklahoma County Courthouse.
Copyright The Gayly. 2/24/2019 @ 7:09 p.m.