On a March evening in 2017 in Yorktown, Virginia, a family gathering took a tragic turn, ending the life of 40-year-old Carlos Lamont Lassiter. The male victim, known affectionately as 'Scootman,' 'big scoot dogg,' and 'c-los,' was at his fiancée's mother's home on Walnut Drive for a cousin's birthday celebration. An altercation erupted that would ultimately lead to his untimely death.
The dispute began when Ryan Lyon, the father of Lassiter's fiancée's children, arrived at the home.
Tensions arose over Lassiter's role in disciplining the children he was helping to raise. The argument escalated, and according to witnesses, Ryan Lyon produced a handgun, striking Lassiter in the head with it. During the assault, the gun discharged, firing a single bullet into Lassiter's chest.
Initially, those present, including his fiancée Lakisha Marsh, were unaware he had been shot, noticing only a gash on his forehead. It was only when Lassiter collapsed that the severity of his injury became apparent. In the chaotic moments that followed, Ryan Lyon allegedly handed the weapon to his brother, Laphonso Lyon, and the two fled the scene. Lassiter succumbed to his injuries from the gunshot wound.
Following the incident, Ryan Lyon turned himself in to authorities. He was subsequently charged with second-degree murder and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. His brother, Laphonso Lyon, faced a charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The case against both brothers was later determined to have sufficient evidence to proceed to a grand jury and move to a higher court for trial.
