Pontiac (48342) – Heartbroken Outcry: Father of Slain 11-Year-Old Slams Killer for Zoom Sentencing Appearance – FAMILY DEMANDS JUSTICE NOW

Pontiac (48342) – Emotions ran high in a Michigan courtroom Wednesday as the father of an 11-year-old boy—killed while trying to protect his mother from domestic violence—publicly condemned the man responsible for attending his sentencing via Zoom rather than appearing in person. The emotional moment unfolded during the sentencing of Demetrius Haynes, who pleaded guilty to the 2024 killing of Kyrie Taylor in Pontiac.

Haynes, 31, had been dating Kyrie’s mother when a heated argument escalated into violence. According to court documents, Haynes retrieved a firearm and opened fire. Kyrie stepped in to shield his mother, taking the fatal bullet. The act of courage devastated the community and earned Kyrie posthumous praise from local leaders and law enforcement.

Haynes appeared via Zoom from Oakland County Jail for his sentencing, where he received 40 years to life for second-degree murder. But the virtual appearance enraged family members, including Kyrie’s father, Malik Taylor, who called the move “cowardly and disgraceful.”

“This man stole my son’s life, and he couldn’t even face us in court,” Taylor told the judge, his voice cracking.

The judge acknowledged the family’s frustration, noting security concerns were cited as the reason for the remote appearance—but affirmed the sentence will stand.

Key Facts

• BREAKING: Killer sentenced via Zoom after boy dies shielding mother in domestic attack

• IMPACT: Kyrie Taylor, 11, killed; Haynes receives 40 years to life

• OFFICIAL SOURCE: “He couldn’t even show up for the life he took.” – Malik Taylor, victim’s father

• ACTION: Families urged to voice concerns about remote sentencing practices to court officials

Hyperlocal Impact

1. Precise Location:
   Pontiac (48342) – Oakland County Courthouse, 1200 N Telegraph Rd

2. Community Connection:
   “Kyrie was a hero. His bravery will never be forgotten.”
   – Jasmine Clark, Kyrie’s 5th grade teacher at Alcott Elementary

Exclusive Angle

• WHY THIS MATTERS NOW:
  The case reignites controversy over Zoom court proceedings, with victims’ families and advocates demanding stricter policies for in-person sentencing in violent crimes, citing trauma and dignity.

Update Log

• 9:00 AM: Haynes appears via Zoom, receives 40-year sentence

• 10:25 AM: Victim’s father delivers powerful impact statement

• 11:15 AM: Oakland County confirms sentencing policies under internal review