A jury took 20 minutes to deliberate Thursday and recommend life in prison for Tyrice Halliburton. It took 20 seconds for Halliburton to escape police custody and try to leave the Elkhart County Courthouse.
Halliburton was convicted of murdering Sheena Kiska at her Bristol apartment during a burglary attempt in March 2008.
Shortly after learning his fate Thursday, Halliburton was led out of the courtroom, stopping at the door to tell his mother goodbye. Suddenly a loud commotion came from the hallway and police were heard yelling.
Family and friends of both Sheena Kiska and her convicted killer were stunned as police and attorneys from both sides quickly went to help as it was first believed Halliburton bolted from the building.
Police and Elkhart County Prosecutor Curtis Hill combed the nearby downtown area and after a brief search, Halliburton was found … still inside the courthouse … hiding in an office. Police say he tried to leave through a fire exit, but apparently didn't know how to open the door.
Once back in custody, Halliburton was taken to the Elkhart County Jail to await his formal sentencing.
Hill expects the judge to give Halliburton the recommended maximum sentence. If the judge doesn't go with the jury recommendation of life without parole, Halliburton’s sentence would be 45 to 65 years. He is expected to be formally sentenced May 17.
In the wake of their daughter’s death, her parents pushed for a state law allowing tenants worried about their safety a way to break their lease.
To date, the proposed law is still only proposed, but Kiska’s parents said Thursday they will keep pushing for “Sheena’s Law.”
