After a lengthy three-year process, the accused in the murder of Wake County Deputy Ned Byrd have entered guilty pleas. The resolution to this case has been met with a public acknowledgment from the Wake County Sheriff's Office, expressing a mixture of relief and continued sorrow. According to a social media post from the Wake County Sheriff's Office, "Today, justice has taken a step forward. After three years, the two individuals accused of shooting and killing Deputy Ned Byrd have pleaded guilty to their charges."
Byrd, remembered as a committed and proud public servant, served Wake County alongside his K-9 partner, Sasha. The Sheriff's Office emphasized this sentiment in their post, reflecting on the deputy’s dedication, "As we reflect, we honor his memory, the sacrifice he made, and the commitment he showed every day.” The post further conveyed the agency's sympathy towards Deputy Byrd’s family, and stated, “Our prayer is that this guilty plea brings you some peace."
The Sheriff's Office took the opportunity to commend the dogged perseverance of the law enforcement community. Sheriff Willie L. Rowe offered his gratitude about the intensive investigation in the post, citing the various agencies involved in the case. He stated, "This outcome would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the law enforcement officers over these years." Rowe also credited the collaboration between the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, the Wake County District Attorney’s Office, and other supporting agencies for their pivotal roles.
In acknowledgment of the support from the law enforcement fraternity and the community, the Sheriff's Office remains committed to their mission according to Rowe's statement, “On behalf of the entire Wake County Sheriff’s Office, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve as we continue to carry forward Deputy Byrd’s legacy of courage and dedication."
Additional details on the case and the pleas entered can be found on the Wake County Sheriff's Office Facebook page.
