The attorney for the man accused of killing his daughter says the court “ought to dismiss the case.”
The attorney for the man accused of killing his daughter says the court “ought to dismiss the case.”
Richard Lyons, 42, was charged Jan. 18 with first-degree murder in the July 2008 death of his 8-year-old daughter Mya Lyons, and with aggravated criminal sexual abuse in an unrelated case stemming from an alleged incident last June involving a 15-year-old male.
Prosecutors said Mya suffered blunt force trauma, suffocation and was stabbed more than 30 times.
Alan Blumenthal, Lyons’ attorney, told reporters Monday after Lyons’ status hearing that evidence supports his client’s innocence and a dismissal of the first-degree murder charge should be granted.
Lyons –– dressed in a yellow jumpsuit and peering in the galley apparently looking for relatives –– has maintained his innocence in both cases and is held without bail on the murder charge and on a $250,000 bond on the sex charge.
Ericka Barnes, the girl’s mother, in addition to other relatives, dabbed tears and remained “blown away” after leaving the Cook County Criminal Court on 26th and California.
The mother of the 15-year-old Lyons is accused of sexually abusing, told the Defender she was outraged when her son confided in her about the alleged incident.
“I was hurt because I’ve known him for so long, about 20 years. I was just shocked…speechless,” said *Karen Jefferson, who also attended the status hearing.
Lyons is expected back in court Feb. 17, at which time Blumenthal said he expects a dismissal or indictment, he told reporters.
*Name change requested to respect privacy of the juvenile victim.
Copyright 2011 Chicago Defender
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