In August of 2022, investigators say Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo and his older brother, Arturo Marin-Sotelo, shot and killed Byrd. Arturo Marin-Sotelo later admitted to authorities that they had an AK-47 with them at the time but told investigators they were using it to hunt deer.
There was a strong show of support from the law enforcement community. Even Deputy Ned Byrd's dog was there and sitting in the front row.
Plea and sentence
Alder Alfonso Marin-Sotelo pleaded guilty to first-degree murder. He received life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Arturo Marin-Sotelo pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact of murder. He received a minimum of seven and a half years in prison, with a maximum of ten.
One of the defendants apologized to Byrd's sister, Mignon Perks.
She delivered an emotional victim impact statement and referred to her brother as a hero. She also had some strong words for the two men who are now convicted killers.
"Ned was all I had left and you took him from me. Who are you to take a life? Who are you to take the kindest person you would have ever met? You have stolen my happiness, you have stolen my joy," said Byrd's sister Mignon Perkins.
"I want every day you look at the four walls, your imprisonment, to be a reminder of the night you stole him."
One of the men asked for her forgiveness.
Arturo Marin-Sotelo said through a translator, "If she believes in God, I ask her to forgive me. Because forgiveness will save her heart. I'm asking her to forgive me."
Wake County District Attorney says Byrd's murder was one of the worst they've seen.
"Certainly, this is one of the most horrific murders that we have seen here in Wake County," said Wake County District Attorney Lorrin Freeman. "Even if Byrd had not been the sworn law enforcement officer on duty, he was executed with three shots to the back of the head, all of which perforated his brain. This is a bad case. But today we were able to send the shooter in this case to prison for the rest of his life."
Wake County Sheriff Willie Rowe releases statement:
"Today, justice has taken a step forward. After three years, the two individuals accused of shooting and killing Deputy Ned Byrd have pleaded guilty to their charges. While this outcome does not erase the pain of that night, this plea brings a measure of closure to Deputy Byrd's family, his brothers and sisters in public safety, and the entire community he served.
Deputy Byrd was a dedicated public servant who was proud to protect Wake County with Sasha, his K-9 partner. As we reflect, we honor his memory, the sacrifice he made, and the commitment he showed every day.
To the family of Deputy Byrd, we share in your continued grief and your relief that this case is being resolved. Our prayer is that this guilty plea brings you some peace.
This outcome would not have been possible without the unwavering dedication of the law enforcement officers over these years. We extend our gratitude to every member of the Wake County Sheriff's Office, the Wake County District Attorney's Office, and the national, state, and local agencies, whose commitment and persistence advanced this case and ensured it was never forgotten. They have worked tirelessly through every turn this case has taken. This plea affirms our mission that justice must be pursued.
On behalf of the entire Wake County Sheriff's Office, we remain steadfast in our mission to serve as we continue to carry forward Deputy Byrd's legacy of courage and dedication."
Lindsay LiCausi is the Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit Back the Blue NC, and says a resolution will save family and friends the stress of a lengthy trial.
Back the Blue NC will be holding an Honor Run Saturday, September 20 for Byrd and other fallen officers.
Other charges and convictions
While waiting to be tried on state murder charges, Alder Marin-Sotelo was convicted in December 2022 on a federal charge for possession of a firearm while living in the United States illegally.
Marin-Sotelo was being held at Piedmont Regional Jail in Farmville, Virginia, while awaiting sentencing on the federal charge. He escaped the jail with the aid of his sister. He then fled to Mexico and had to be extradited back to the United States.
Alder pleaded guilty to that prison escape earlier this year.