Judge Must Now Decide Guilt or Innocence of Austin Murder Suspect

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Austin, MN (KROC-AM News) - The fate of an Austin murder suspect is now in the hands of a Mower County judge.

The prosecution and defense rested today in the court trial of 29-year-old Me'Darian McGruder. He is facing second-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter, and domestic violence charges, along with a count of illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon in connection with the death of 20-year-old Tyesha Gills.

The young woman was shot to death at her Austin home on the night of July 31, 2021. According to court documents, a witness told investigators that McGruder shot Gills in the chest when she continued to point a small laser at him after he warned her to stop.

He previously waived his right to a jury trial and opted for a court trial, during which all of the witness testimony and evidence was presented to a judge rather than a jury. The judge in the case has now taken it under advisement and is expected to issue a verdict during the next several weeks.

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