WILSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WKRN) — More than three years after a woman's body was found in a wooded area in Wilson County, a suspect connected to the case has accepted a plea deal, avoiding trial.

Ty’Shawne Bowles, one of three suspects charged in connection with the death of 22-year-old Mya Fuller, pleaded guilty to an amended charge of facilitation of especially aggravated kidnapping Tuesday morning in Wilson County Criminal Court as part of a plea agreement.

As part of the plea, Bowles agreed to a 12-year sentence with the possibility of being released after serving 30% of the time.

The plea comes three years after Fuller's body was found behind a property under development off Trammel Lane in Wilson County. The Medical Examiner later confirmed Fuller died from gunshot wounds.

She was reported missing after she was last seen by family members on July 29, 2022 and worked an event at Geodis Park in Nashville on July 30, 2022. She was last seen at the nightclub Island Vibes on Antioch Pike that night. Her 2020 gray Toyota Camry was later found in the club's parking lot.

During Tuesday's plea hearing, District Attorney Tammy Meade provided more narrative of the events that occurred on July 31, 2022, and what eventually led to Fuller's death.

According to Meade, Bowles' mother told him that someone attempted to kidnap his sister —Taiyana Tipton — at a party in Nashville on July 30, 2022. Detectives have reportedly reviewed video from that night, but have yet to find any evidence of that occurring. However, based on his mother's statement, Bowles allegedly reached out to his sister and tried to figure out who she had been involved in an altercation with.

After searching Instagram, attorneys said Bowles came across Fuller's Instagram page and sent it to other people, claiming she was the one who was involved in an altercation with his sister. Then, he reportedly sent Fuller a message inviting her to rap showcase at Island Vibes.

Meade said evidence indicates that Fuller went home to Murfreesboro after working at Geodis Park, and arrived at Island Vibes at approximately 11:14 p.m. on July 30, 2022. At some point, Fuller left the club and went to the parking lot with Tipton, where she was attacked by Tipton and La’Myra Pipkins.

According to officials, Bowles admitted to watching the beating and heard Tiption say "pop the trunk," but denied seeing Fuller being put into the vehicle. Bowles reportedly added he followed his sister's vehicle but eventually lost sight of it.

According to Meade, Tipton traveled to Trammel Lane in Wilson County, shot Mya seven times and left her body in a wooded area. Fuller's body wasn't found until several days later.

In March, Tipton pleaded guilty to all charges for her connection to Fuller's death, including first-degree murder, and was sentenced to life in prison.

While being questioned by detectives, Bowles reportedly stated that the incident went further than he thought, adding he didn't know of any plans to kidnap or kill Fuller.

Dr. Tanya Fuller, Mya's mother, spoke during Tuesday's hearing and told attorneys that she felt betrayed by the plea agreement.

"Justice has chosen that this is the right path for the defendant. My family does not agree with the deal that has been made today. All we have is to trust the justice system, that's all we have," she stated.

Tanya went on to describe the sentence as unjust and unfair, but added the family will accept it because they have no other choice.

"Mya was murdered, she was beaten, and was tossed just like trash. For a year in a half, the defense did nothing. Silence. Quiet. Cowards," she added. "Today, we stand here with life for the defendants, and my daughter, genius, smart, kind, has never anything to anybody, and we stay here under justice. Justice has chosen this is the right path for the defendant."

In a statement to News 2, District Attorney Jason Lawson said Tuesday's plea reflects Bowles' involvement in the case.

"Sometimes in criminal cases people have different levels of involvement and responsibility," said Lawson. "Today's plea reflects the level of involvement that Ty'Shawne Bowles had in this case. He invited her there, and so he has responsibility, but the evidence does not show he intended or participated in her death. Based on the evidence of the case, the plea today was entered."

Meanwhile, Pipkins remains charged and has a trial set in November. No additional information was released.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nashville/we-feel-betrayed-family-of-mya-fuller-reacts-to-plea-deal-given-to-suspect/