Murder suspects request youth status in trial

Published 12:00 am Monday, February 23, 2004

Two Selmians charged with capital murder remain in the Dallas County Jail and one remains out on bond after a Friday arraignment hearing.

Terrry Javon Shaw, 23, Myron Antonio Gordon, 20, and Barbara Eaton, 19, are charged with the death of Tyrone Middleton in an Aug. 10, 2003, incident at the Days Inn & Suites. Shaw and Gordon are in jail; Eaton is out on $10,000 bond.

According to Joseph Fitzpatrick, Fourth Judicial Circuit assistant district attorney, both Gordon and Eaton applied for youthful offender status on Friday. Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Judge Tommy Jones ordered a youthful offender report for both from the state pardons and parole office. An investigation by the pardons and parole office is expected to determine if youthful offender status is appropriate for Eaton and Gordon.

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Fitzpatrick noted that any defendant under the age of 21 at the time of an offense has the right to apply for the status.

Shaw entered a plea of “not guilty” at Friday’s arraignment. His trial is scheduled for May 3.

“Since we don’t have to wait for any forensics report, we’ll be ready for trial,” Fitzpatrick said.

Shaw and Gordon are in jail under no bond. Eaton’s bond was lowered to $10,000 on Feb. 13 due to her willingness to cooperate with authorities and because she is expected to give birth in 30 to 45 days.

Authorities brought the three into custody on Aug. 15 following an investigation by the Selma Police Department.