Three suspects taken into custody for the murder of 22-year old Mya Fuller

NASHVILLE [TN]- A murder investigation that began last year on August 6th after remains were located in a wooded area of Wilson County has landed three individuals in jail for the death of Mya Fuller. The three suspects that were taken into custody in Nashville yesterday are as follows:

Taiyana Tipton (21 years old, Nashville) was indicted by the Grand Jury with First Degree Murder in Perpetration of a Kidnapping, Kidnapping, First Degree Murder (intentional and premeditated), and Abuse of a Corpse.

Tipton’s brother, Ty’Shawne Bowles (20 years old, Nashville) was indicted on charges of First Degree Murder in Perpetration of a Kidnapping, Kidnapping, and First Degree Murder (intentional and premeditated).

 La’Myra Pipkins, (20 years old, Nashville) is an associate of both Tipton and Bowles. Pipkins was indicted on charges of First Degree Murder in Perpetration of a Kidnapping and also an additional charge of Kidnapping.

Detectives with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the murder of Mya Fuller. Investigations of this magnitude do not stop until the successful prosecution of those responsible is complete. The investigation remains active at this time and the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office requests that anyone with information pertaining to this case are urged to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 615-444-1459 or by simply going to our Crime Stoppers link at www.wcso95.org/crimestoppers.

These investigations require a vast amount of resources in multiple capacities and locations. Our office would like to extend our gratitude towards our Middle Tennessee Law Enforcement partners who have assisted us in this investigation including: District Attorney General Jason Lawson and the 15th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Mt. Juliet Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, United States Secret Service, Metro Nashville Police Department, Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, Nashville Airport Police, Hendersonville Police Department, ROCIC, and the Wilson County Emergency Management Agency.

Taiyana Tipton
Ty’Shawne Bowles
La’Myra Pipkins

Sheriff Bryan welcomes four new reserve deputies!

Sheriff Robert Bryan swore in four new reserve deputies this morning during a ceremony that took place in the training room at the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office. The Reserve Program has proven itself to be very instrumental in not only assisting our office when needed, but also puts in countless number of hours voluntarily by providing services for the citizens of Wilson County.

What you may not know is in order to be a reserve deputy; one must put in a total of 420 hours of training before they are authorized to work independently in a departmental vehicle. They must also volunteer a minimal of 16 hours per month to remain in the reserve officer program. The program has selflessly served in many capacities since its inception and continues to be a valuable asset to Wilson County.

Congratulations, gentlemen!

Taps Across America

Please enjoy the attached video from Taps Across America. The National Moment of Remembrance is an annual event that asks Americans, wherever they are at 3:00 p.m. on Memorial Day, to pause for a duration of one minute to remember those who have died in military service to the United States.

Notification to Civilian Governing Body and Local Community of Presidential Executive Order 14074 “Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety”

Pursuant to Presidential EO 14074 (Section 12), this memo fulfills the requirement to notify the Civilian Governing Body (CGB) and Local Community of my agency’s intent to request the controlled property items identified in the list below.

WILSON COUNTY JOINT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER TO BRING AGENCIES TOGETHER IN NEW JAIL EXPANSION

WILSON COUNTY JOINT COMMUNICATIONS CENTER TO BRING AGENCIES TOGETHER IN NEW JAIL EXPANSION

LEBANON (TN)- Dispatch centers from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson County 9-1-1, Wilson Emergency Management Agency (Ambulance, Fire), and Mt. Juliet Fire services will all be working together upon the completion of the new jail expansion. The Wilson County Joint Communications Center is anticipated to be fully operational during the first quarter of 2023.

Due to the ongoing expansion of the new jail facility, this will allow time for all the pieces of the puzzle to fall into place. Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan emphasized the importance of the new center in a meeting with all of the department heads by stating, “There is always room for improvement at any and all levels. We have time on our hands to get the necessary equipment and resources needed for this project. Once completed, this will open up direct communication with other agencies that will enable a more efficient response. I’m looking forward to the greater outcome this will provide to our citizens.”

The co-location will be streamlined operations and service level improvements. “We are trying to align ourselves with the industry standard to provide a more coordinated response,” Wilson County 9-1-1 Director Karen Moore said. “Public Safety analytics has shown various ways to bring faster, better-informed responses. The joint efforts of the Wilson County Sheriff and Wilson County Emergency Management with the City of Mt. Juliet Fire, in conjunction with Wilson County 9-1-1, will no doubt have an immediate impact on the citizens of Wilson County in improved response time throughout all municipalities.”

WEMA Director Joey Cooper talked about the huge impact it will have on communications having a co-location and how the quick response will play a role in saving lives. “I am really beyond words that it may become a reality regarding the new Wilson County Joint Communications Center. This progress will have so many positive effects on the whole county,” stated Director Cooper. “The benefits of having the communications of multiple agencies in one center go far beyond in getting where we need to be as a county. This Joint Communications Center WILL save lives.”

Wilson County Mayor Randall Hutto praised the efforts of Sheriff Bryan, Director Cooper, and Director Moore; along with the Emergency Communications District (E-911) Board for their diligence in seeing this project to fruition. “Public Safety has always ranked among the top priorities of our administration, along with education and quality of life. The Wilson County Joint Communications Center will solidify that very fact,” stated Mayor Hutto. “As one of only 4 Tennessee counties who provide 24/7 service in our rural areas, we believe this addition will increase response times and improve communication between our emergency personnel and 911 operators. Wilson County is blessed with a tremendous emergency service personnel force throughout our county and in our three cities. We have always tried to provide and improve our emergency services at all levels.”

Three juveniles charged with making threats to Lebanon High School during 48-hour period

LEBANON (TN) – Within the past 48 hours, investigators with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office and Lebanon Police Department worked together along with the school administration to quickly identify juveniles responsible for making threats towards Lebanon High School that occurred in three separate incidents. In all three cases, each was determined to be non-credible. However, a total of three juveniles have been charged by creating a mass disturbance at Lebanon High School as well as within the community.

“In cases such as these, even when we are able to establish that the threat is non-credible, we will continue to pursue charges on individuals making any type of threat both intentionally or jokingly,” stated Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan. “We take all threats seriously and school safety has always been a top priority. We will look to prosecute anyone and everyone who tries to disrupt the safety and normal daily activities of our students, faculty, and staff which also include any attempt to try and get school closed by initiating a false threat.”

The three juveniles involved, all Lebanon High School students, are being issued juvenile petitions by the LHS School Resource Officers for the following which may include additional charges:

17 year-old: Filing a False Report

17 year-old: Threat of Mass Violence on School Property

14 year-old: Threat of Mass Violence on School Property

We also urge citizens on social media platforms to contact their respective law enforcement agency if they hear or see any threat before sharing information which oftentimes is inaccurate and creates public alarm. In the event that an imminent threat is occurring, we will communicate the best available information we can.

Suspects Apprehended During Aggravated Burglary

KODAK Digital Still Camera
KODAK Digital Still Camera

LEBANON, TN – On 11/15/2021, Detectives with the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office apprehended two suspects during the commission of an Aggravated Burglary. After a lengthy investigation, Detective Bryan McDonald developed Corey Miller and Brook Harris as suspects as a result of ongoing surveillance. While conducting surveillance, detectives witnessed the suspects casing the area and subsequently noticed the suspects leaving a property they had no known association with. Miller and Harris were detained and stolen property was recovered on the scene.

Both Harris and Miller were taken into custody and charged for the commission of the burglary which occurred in the Northeast portion of Wilson County.  Brook Harris is being held at the Wilson County Jail on one count of Aggravated Burglary and Corey Miller is being held for 1 count of Aggravated Burglary, 1 count of Theft of Property, and 1 count of Vandalism. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending at this time.

“Both suspects were found to be connected to multiple burglaries in and around Wilson County,” stated Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan. “Detectives worked hard on this case and they were able to link Miller and Harris to various burglaries that were occurring. This investigation is not over and we will continue to gather additional information of their involvement.”

After the apprehension of Corey Miller and Brook Harris, detectives executed a search warrant at the residence of Miller and Harris where additional stolen property was recovered, connecting the two suspects to additional crimes in both Wilson and surrounding counties.

Beware of text scam involving disturbing pictures and targeting residents with demands

In the past 48 hours, victims have reported a scam involving disturbing text messages and pictures threatening their lives and demanding cash. In one of the text messages sent by a scammer, the context reads “I’m an assassin, I was sent to terminate your life and I’ve been following for weeks and you seem to be a nice person that’s why I wanna make a deal with you”. The scammer continues by saying “I will arrange where we can meet, but first of all you need to make a payment of $4000 so I can terminate the contract from the person who sent me.”

Victims have reported that they are also receiving disturbing pictures taken from the internet of dead bodies and claiming “You’re next” if you don’t wire them some money.  The number texting the victims was listed as (501) 415-3676. It’s important to know that many of these scams are likely done from overseas and the number can be manipulated. We urge you to simply not respond to these messages and to block the number.

Wilson County Sheriff Robert Bryan Receives Top Award

It is with great honor to announce that Sheriff Robert Bryan has been named the “2021 Tennessee Sheriff of the Year” during the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association’s 50th Annual Conference this week in Sevierville. The award, which was voted on by Sheriffs across Tennessee, was presented to Sheriff Bryan by TSA Executive Director Sheriff Jeff Bledsoe (Ret) during a banquet held on Wednesday night.

“I am truly honored to be recognized by Sheriffs across Tennessee with this award. It was a very humbling experience for me and the Tennessee Sheriffs’ Association has always held a special place in my heart,” stated Sheriff Robert Bryan. “I can’t say enough about the support that has been given from both my family and the men and women who selflessly put their lives on the line each day from the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office.”

The award was given by his peers in appreciation of his many outstanding contributions to law enforcement over his 32 year career.  Please join us in congratulating Sheriff Bryan on this prestigious award.

Crime Stoppers is seeking public’s assistance

LEBANON,TN- The Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect(s) responsible for the burglary and theft of several items taken from Xtreme Paintball located off of West Old Laguardo Road. On Saturday, when the owner arrived at the business, he noticed several items had been taken that included: paintball guns, HPA tanks, power tools, battery chargers, miscellaneous paintball equipment, a four wheeler, a generator, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and food/drinks. The burglary occurred sometime between Friday evening and early morning hours on Saturday.

Anyone with information which leads to the successful identification, prosecution, and conviction of the person(s) responsible in this incident could be entitled a total cash reward of up to $1,500. Please call the Wilson County Sheriff’s Office Crime Stoppers at 615-444-5245 with any information that would assist in the investigation of this incident or any crime, callers can remain anonymous.