Tennessee man found guilty of killing girlfriend and kidnapping her young child

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TCD) — A man has been convicted of charges related to the 2022 death of his girlfriend and kidnapping of her child.

The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced Feb. 27 that a jury found Byron Pipkin guilty of first-degree murder, especially aggravated kidnapping, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm during the especially aggravated kidnapping, and convicted felon in possession of a firearm. His sentencing is scheduled for April 1.

According to the district attorney’s office, on June 30, 2022, Pipkin fatally shot his girlfriend, Marquicha Thomas, at a home in Cordova. Following the incident, Pipkin reportedly kidnapped Thomas’ now 7-year-old child and fled the scene.

An affidavit reviewed by WMC-TV said a witness allegedly saw Pipkin and his girlfriend arguing inside the garage. Thomas reportedly tried to run away, and Pipkin then shot Thomas.

According to WMC, Pipkin reportedly dragged Thomas from the front yard into the garage before going inside the home and telling the then 6-year-old child to leave with him.

Pipkin then fled with the child in a white Mercedes-Benz and called 911, reporting that Thomas was shot by someone else.

Pipkin ended up leaving the child at an acquaintance’s home and went to a Memphis motel, where a three-hour standoff with SWAT ensued. Shelby County Sheriff’s Office detectives eventually took him into custody.

A 12-year-old, an 11-year-old, and a 7-year-old testified during the trial. According to the district attorney’s office, the now 12-year-old saw the defendant shoot his mother in the front yard. As Pipkin reportedly moved Thomas’ body into the garage, the 12-year-old was hiding in a car.

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