Written by Amanda Coers – District 35 Judge Stephen Ellis called the Capitol Murder Case of deceased infant Breyla Ann Bryant, “tragic beyond comprehension for the Bryant family,” before announcing verdict and sentencing at 11:40 a.m. on Friday, January 27th at the Brown County Courthouse in Brownwood. The child’s father, 18 year old Jekaris Bryant was indicted on January 21, 2016, after an investigation into the child’s death on December 13, 2015.

The defendant waived his right to a jury trial, on the advice of his legal counsel, resulting in a bench trial proceeding. The trial began on Tuesday, January 24, 2017, and concluded on Friday shortly before noon.

Before pronouncing his verdict, Judge Ellis added he was glad there would be no death penalty applied to the case, as it would “compound tragedy.” The judge also stated this was a “hard fought case by both attorneys.”

Earlier that morning, defense attorney Jud Woodley made his statements to the court.

Breyla Ann Bryant

“This was a crisis situation,” Woodley explained to Judge Ellis. “I’m not going to try to be eloquent. All I want to be is fair in my assessment of the law.”

Woodley presented two theories regarding the tragic events of baby Breyla’s death on December 13, 2015. The defense surmised prosecution presented a picture of Jekaris Bryant acting violently out of anger and frustration. Woodley then explained an alternative: Jekaris was in a “crisis situation,” thinking his infant daughter was choking on formula after vomiting from her nose and mouth.

“This was a crisis,” said Woodley in court. “The child was crying, he attempted to feed the child, to soothe the child. If the child started choking and he thought it was more than vomit, he reacted in panic and shock.”

The defense also stated it was a “total stretch” that Jekaris was a violent person and would be violent towards his child. Woodley related to the court that Jekaris had attended all the doctor’s visits for both the pregnancy, and after the birth of Breyla Ann Bryant. “He doted on the baby, he was proud of the baby,” Woodley stated.

Jekaris’ attorney listed a combination of factors: extreme fear, adrenaline spike, and a documented low IQ. “We have to take into consideration his capacity for understanding what was happening,” said Woodley.

The prosecution was allowed a final argument. District Attorney Michael Murray noted there were “good people” on both sides of the case, but added the State could not allow what happened to baby Breyla to be “swept under the rug as some sort of accident.”

“No matter how much he loved the baby, no matter how much his family loves him – what’s right is right. And he needs to be held accountable for his actions,” Murray stated.

After a short recess, Judge Ellis passed verdict and sentencing and found Jekaris Bryant guilty of Capital Murder. Under State of Texas Law, sentencing for the crime is Life Without Parole.

The family and friends of Jekaris Bryant present in the courtroom were extremely upset, with sobs heard around the room. Jekaris was placed into custody and transported to the Brown County Jail.