Austin man sentenced to prison time, fines, fees and restitution on felony murder and illegal firearm possession charges in Mower County District Court
An Austin man who murdered a woman at a residence in Austin in July of 2021 has been sentenced to prison time, plus fines, fees and restitution in Mower County District Court.
Judge Jeffery Kritzer originally found 29-year-old Me’darian Ledale Mcgruder guilty on February 21st, 2024 on felony charges of 2nd degree murder, with intent, not premeditated, 2nd degree murder, without intent, while committing a felony, being a violent felon in possession of a firearm, 2nd degree manslaughter, culpable negligence, creating unreasonable risk, and also for domestic assault, with all of the charges stemming from the shooting death of 20-year-old Tyesha Gills at a residence in Austin on July 31st, 2021.
An amended felony charge of 3rd degree murder, perpetrating an eminently dangerous act, and evincing dangerous mind against Mcgruder was dismissed on February 9th. Mcgruder waived his right to a jury trial, and chose to have a court or bench trial, in which a judge hears the case and makes a decision, instead of a jury coming to an agreement. Mcgruder was convicted and sentenced Friday to 386 months, or 32 years and one month in prison, plus $12,182 in fines, fees and restitution on the felony charge of 2nd degree murder, with intent, not premeditated. Mcgruder was also convicted and sentenced Friday to 60 months, or five years in prison for the felony charge of being a violent felon in possession of a firearm. Mcgruder was given credit for 974 days already served, and Judge Kritzer determined that Mcgruder will be allowed to serve the two sentences concurrently.
Mcgruder originally pleaded not guilty to all of the charges against him on October 28th, 2021.
