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In Carter County, Tennessee, a judge has set a $2 million bond for Morland Orvil Whitely, a 19-year-old facing charges related to the death of 18-year-old Jaylen Burleson. The decision came during a court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
The case unfolded following a shooting incident last Friday, when the Carter County Sheriff’s Office responded to a 911 call around 4 a.m. Upon arrival, deputies discovered that Jaylen Burleson had been fatally shot.
Whitely has been charged with first-degree murder and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. During the court proceedings, he requested the services of a public defender.
The court also reviewed Whitely’s previous criminal record, which includes charges of aggravated assault and reckless endangerment. Just a week prior, he was convicted of DUI, felony evading arrest, and illegal firearm possession.
Given the gravity of the charges and Whitely’s criminal history, the judge determined the bond amount at $2 million.
Burleson’s family was in attendance, including the father of Jaylen Burleson, Javelle Turner. After the court was dismissed, Turner told News Channel 11 that he longs for justice for his son.
“This is a child (Jaylen), you know, that’s just going out there to be a great person,” Turner said. “We’re just trying to hold our composure. You know, we want to make sure that we get things right for my son.”
Turner added that his son had a bright future ahead of him and was on his way to college.
“He (Whitely) wants to take something that doesn’t belong to him, and that’s lives,” Turner said. “So what we’re doing is we’re trusting the justice system to give justice to my son.”
Turner explained that it is a feeling that no family should have to experience.
“We need to make an example and not make this a chain reaction that this behavior will not be tolerated,” Turner said. “So every kid can be safe, and we’re going to protect him, and we’re going to trust the system to bring justice.”
Whitely has a preliminary hearing set for June 15.