Second-Degree Murder Charge Dismissed for Chattanooga Man

Charges Dismissed for Christopher Marcus Lyles

In a turn of events, a Chattanooga man, Christopher Marcus Lyles, who was accused of second-degree murder saw the charge against him dismissed as revealed by Hamilton County Criminal Court records. The 37-year-old suspect also had additional charges surrounding possession of cocaine for resale and false reports dismissed in a court appearance held yesterday before Hamilton County Criminal Court Judge Boyd Patterson.

Lyles’ Lesser Charge Sentence

Lyles proceeded to plead guilty to a lesser charge of attempting to possess fentanyl for resale. The court imposed a three-year prison sentence which was ultimately suspended, as indicated by a judgment document. However, the reason behind the charges against Lyles being dismissed remains unknown, with the prosecutor handling the case yet to give a statement on this matter.

Accusations Against Lyles

Lyles, alongside his co-defendant Melvin Lee Jackson, were accused of distributing fentanyl on or before June 16, 2022. This incident was tragically linked to the death of Glenn Tony McCain as documented in the indictment. Publicly accessible data provided no additional details about McCain’s untimely death.

Status with Co-defendant

The second-degree murder charge against the co-defendant, Jackson, was similarly dismissed in September 2023. Lyles’ imprisonment sentencing was suspended, however, he remains to be detained without bond at the Hamilton County Jail according to the sheriff office’s website.

Awaiting Transfer and Next Court Appearance

Lyles is allegedly wanted for a crime in Catoosa County and, subsequently, signed a waiver on Friday indicating his willingness to be voluntarily transferred across state lines as disclosed by the General Sessions Court clerk’s office. He also has a misdemeanor probation warrant according to Catoosa County Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Evans. Lyles is scheduled for a court appearance on July 1 in front of Hamilton County General Sessions Judge Christie Sell.