Tuesday, February 11, 2025

York County Murder Suspect to Undergo Psych Evaluations Ahead of Trial

York-Poquoson Courthouse
York-Poquoson Courthouse

A 17-year-old York County boy has been ordered to undergo two psychological evaluations ahead of his trial regarding the fatal shooting of Dylan Peters.

Evan Tyler is charged with second-degree murder, attempted robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, shooting into an occupied dwelling and attempted statutory burglary while armed with a deadly weapon.

The charges result from a drug-related incident that occurred in the Whispering Winds neighborhood Jan. 27. Police said Tyler wanted to rob Peters of marijuana and accuse Tyler of taking a gun with him to Peters’ home and shooting five .40 caliber bullets through a half open door with Peters on the other side.

Peters, a Tabb High School student, was hit in the chest, shoulder, leg and hand. He died at Riverside Regional Medical Center in Newport News shortly after the shooting.

When Tyler appeared before the York-Poquoson Circuit Court on Tuesday, defense attorney Shawn Overbey requested the court delay his trial so Tyler can undergo both a sanity and competency analysis. The former would try to determine his sanity at the time of the incident, while the later will address whether he is fit to stand trial currently.

Judge Rich Rizk granted the request and scheduled Tyler to appear again before the court on Jan. 19, at which time he will review the findings of the analyses and set a date for trial.

Two other suspects were also arrested and charged in connection with the incident. Tevin DeSean Lambert admitted to arranging a drug deal between Peters and Tyler and was found guilty of one felony count of conspiracy to commit robbery. He entered into a plea agreement with the prosecution that guarantees he will not face additional charges relating to that incident in exchange for his testimony against Tyler if and when he goes to trial.

Alphonzo Christopher Jackson also admitted to being with Lambert and Tyler on the day Peters was killed and discussing the possibility of robbing Peters. He pleaded guilty of conspiracy to commit robbery but did not enter into a plea deal with the prosecution.

Tyler will be tried as an adult due to the severity of the charges.

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