Richard Lyons / Photo from Chicago Police
BY RUMMANA HUSSAIN
Chicago Sun-Times
Richard Lyons was sentenced to 60 years in prison Friday for the brutal stabbing death of his 9-year-old daughter, Mya.
Ericka Barnes called her ex a “coward and psychopath” for killing their daughter on July 14, 2008.
Lyons, now 45, initially “confused” police by telling them he found Mya lying in pool of blood in a dilapidated lot near his home in the 8400 block of Gilbert Court, Assistant Cook County State’s Attorney Fabio Valentini said in Lyons’ January trial.
But his farce was blown 2 1/2- years later when blood spatter expert Rod Englert determined that Mya wasn’t attacked in the grassy alley where Lyons had claimed but just outside his home and in the dark van he said he drove to frantically to search for her.
Mya Lyons / Photo from Facebook
Lyons was arrested after Englert delivered his findings.
In his closing arguments, prosecutors said Lyons just went into “self-preservation” mode the minute he slammed Mya’s body against a lock box behind his house.
He then took Mya into his van where he stabbed her before dumping her body in the dark, secluded lot, changing his clothes and playing “hero” by pretending to find her, prosecutors said.
He had no remorse, Valentini said Friday.
“This man killed his own daughter hand to hang in the most brutal way,” Valentini said.
As news of the conviction spread, friends and family took to social media to show their support,
Rest In Peace Mya Lyons, Justice is served. Thanks Dawn Valenti of U.F.A.C. for standing by this Family and never… http://t.co/tzczTvi5Zw
— The Shelia Show (@FindMyMissing) April 4, 2014
Finally, justice has been won for Mya Lyons. Rest peacefully.
— Alexis Nicole (@BeautyMarkLexi) April 4, 2014
Lyons is currently awaiting trial in an unrelated case for allegedly sexually assaulting a teenage boy.
— Contributing: Homicide Watch Chicago