Liberty County man sentenced to 30 years for the shooting death of his girlfriend

LIBERTY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – A Liberty County man was sentenced to 30 years for aggravated manslaughter with a firearm.

On Febuary 25, 2021, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office deputies said they responded to a home on Gary Lane about a female who had been shot. Upon arrival, deputies confirmed they found the female deceased by her bed in the bedroom.

Authorities said the defendant, Traves Gilyard, the victim’s boyfriend and father to her children was the only adult present.

Gilyard provided a post-Miranda sworn statement, during which he claimed to have been out of the room, adding that the victim must have shot herself playing with the firearm, LCSO officials said.

Gilyard is a convicted felon, admitting the firearm used in the incident belonged to him, LCSO officials confirmed.

Florida Department of Law Enforcement crime scene analyst responded to the scene to collect evidence.

During an autopsy, the victim was examined by a medical examiner. The examination revealed that based on the entry wound, angle of the wound track, and position of the body it was impossible for the victim to have shot herself, according to FDLE crime scene analyst.

While preparing for trial and with consultation with the victim’s surviving siblings, officials said Gilyard agreed to enter into a plea agreement and serve 30 years for the death of the victim.

Gilyard was sentenced on July 12, 2024.

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