Madison County Sheriff Kevin Turner announced Wednesday that a murder charge has been filed in the Friday killing of a Madison County Jail inmate.
Michael Tyrone Wheeler, 29, is charged in the murder of fellow inmate Terran Burt, 21.
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Wheeler is in jail on assault charges. Burt was in jail on a murder charge. (Read more here)
The sheriff’s office said Burt and Wheeler fought about 8:30 a.m. Friday. Burt was rendered unconscious, taken to Huntsville Hospital, and put on life support. He died about 8:30 p.m. Friday.
Turner said it’s not easy to investigate a case inside a jail, but that people stepped up and told the truth. He said that, despite claims in a legal filing, he has no knowledge of the fight being gang-related.
The attorney for Burt's brother is asking for him to be released from the Madison County Jail on electronic monitoring.
Brian Clark, the attorney for Hasaan Erskine, stated in court documents filed on Tuesday that they believe gang members murdered his brother and co-defendant, Burt. In the motion, the attorney said, "it is believed that the intent is to also get this defendant." He also stated that Erskine's mother is battling cancer and just lost her son, and that they are concerned for her well-being.
Turner said Wednesday morning during the sheriff's office investigation into Burt's death no evidence has been found that the murder is gang-related. He said Erskine was put in an isolation cell at the jail and he met with him last night.
The sheriff said he has also spoken to both men's mother, and given his condolences for the family's loss as well as assured her they are keeping her other son safe. Turner said he is set to meet with the judge, defense and prosecution in the case about Erskine's safety on Wednesday.
Hasaan Erskine and Burt were both in jail charged with capital murder. The brothers are accused of murdering Charity Fennell in 2018 at a home in North Huntsville. They have been in the jail since their arrest.
The judge for the case responded to Erskine's attorney's motion and asked for the state to respond on or before Tuesday, Oct. 20.
As of Wednesday morning, no response filed has appeared in the online court system database.