Ned Byrd's Sister Confronts Murderers in Plea Deal: 'You Stole My Joy'

Guilty Pleas in the Murder of Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd

More than three years after the tragic death of Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd, the men accused of his murder have entered guilty pleas in court. The case has drawn widespread attention and emotional responses from the community, law enforcement, and the family of the late officer.

In August 2022, investigators revealed that Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo and his older brother, Arturo Marin-Sotelo, were responsible for shooting and killing Byrd. According to authorities, Arturo admitted that they had an AK-47 with them at the time but claimed they were using it to hunt deer. Despite this explanation, the circumstances surrounding the incident were described as extremely violent and disturbing.

The courtroom was filled with support from the law enforcement community. Deputy Byrd’s K-9 partner, Sasha, was even present, sitting in the front row during the proceedings. This gesture highlighted the deep respect and admiration that many in the public safety field had for Byrd.

Plea and Sentence Details

Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and received a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Arturo Marin-Sotelo, on the other hand, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of murder and was sentenced to a minimum of seven and a half years in prison, with a maximum of ten years.

During the hearing, one of the defendants expressed remorse and apologized to Byrd’s sister, Mignon Perks. She delivered an emotional victim impact statement, referring to her brother as a hero. Her words reflected the pain and loss she felt after losing her brother.

“Ned was all I had left and you took him from me. Who are you to take a life? Who are you to take the kindest person you would have ever met? You have stolen my happiness, you have stolen my joy,” said Byrd’s sister.

She also urged the convicted men to remember the night they took her brother’s life every day they spend in prison.

Arturo Marin-Sotelo, speaking through a translator, asked for forgiveness. “If she believes in God, I ask her to forgive me. Because forgiveness will save her heart. I'm asking her to forgive me.”

A Horrific Crime

Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman described Byrd's murder as one of the worst cases the county has seen. “Even if Byrd had not been the sworn law enforcement officer on duty, he was executed with three shots to the back of the head, all of which perforated his brain. This is a bad case. But today we were able to send the shooter in this case to prison for the rest of his life.”

The Wake County Sheriff, Willie Rowe, released a statement expressing hope that the guilty plea would bring some closure to Byrd’s family and the broader community. He praised Byrd as a dedicated public servant who protected the county alongside his K-9 partner, Sasha.

Community Response and Ongoing Efforts

Lindsay LiCausi, CEO of the nonprofit Back the Blue NC, emphasized the importance of the resolution for Byrd’s family and friends. She noted that the lengthy trial process could have caused additional stress and trauma.

Back the Blue NC is planning an Honor Run on Saturday, September 20, to pay tribute to Byrd and other fallen officers. This event aims to honor their service and sacrifice.

Additional Charges and Convictions

While awaiting trial on state murder charges, Alder Marin-Sotelo was convicted in December 2022 of a federal charge related to firearm possession while living in the United States illegally. He was held at Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Virginia, but managed to escape with the help of his sister. He fled to Mexico and was later extradited back to the U.S.

Alder Marin-Sotelo recently pleaded guilty to the prison escape, marking another chapter in the ongoing legal proceedings tied to this tragic case.