© 2026 WCBE 90.5 FM

WCBE is a broadcast service of Columbus City Schools.
Donate
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
One year after The Rescissions Act of 2025, we're still here because of YOU!
DONATE TODAY if you believe music, education, and community continue to be essential.

Alleged Killer Of Local Transgender Woman Ruled Incompetent For Trial

WCBE 90.5FM | By Jim Letizia
Published December 28, 2016 at 6:04 AM EST
Franklin County Sheriff's Office

A Franklin County judge has ruled the Columbus man accused of killing a transgender woman is not competent to stand trial. The judge says James Byrd has a mental illness. Byrd will undergo treatment over the next year before a new trial date is set. Byrd is accused of beating and fatally shooting 28-year-old Rae'Lynn Thomas last August following a fight inside the Tracy Circle apartment they shared with Thomas' mother. Authorities have not released a possible motive.
Tags
WCBE News transgenderJames ByrdTracy CircleRae'Lynn Thomas
Jim Letizia
Jim has been with WCBE since 1996. Before that he worked as a reporter at another Columbus radio station, and for three newspapers in Southwest Florida.
See stories by Jim Letizia
Related Content