AN 18-year-old jockey has been charged with murder.
According to a statement from the US Department of Justice, young rider Bryson Butterfly is one of three suspects charged with first-degree murder and robbery.
The teenage jockey has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 17-year-old high school student
It is in relation to the killing of a 17-year-old secondary school pupil in Baltimore, US, in April this year.
Paulickreport.com says two other suspects, a 32-year-old man and 17-year-old minor, had previously been arrested.
Contrary to the official statement, they claim sources said Butterfly had not yet been charged but will appear in court on Monday.
Originally from Washington State, Butterfly started racing aged 16 and won his first contest in June 2021.
Police arrested him at a property near Hollywood Casino Racetrack in Charles Town, West Virginia.
The statement, dated July 14, read: “A man wanted in connection with an April 2023 Baltimore County murder has been arrested by the US Marshals Mountain State Fugitive Task Force (MSFTF), in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia.
“In April of 2023, Bryson L. Butterfly, 18 of Harpers Ferry, WV was one of three suspects charged with first-degree murder and robbery, which occurred in Baltimore County Maryland.
“Butterfly’s two co-conspirators had previously been arrested and are currently in the Baltimore County Detention Center.
“The Baltimore County Prosecutors Office requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Capital Area Regional Task Force (CARTF) in locating and apprehending Butterfly.
“The investigation revealed Butterfly had fled the area and may be in Jefferson County, WV.
“The CARTF in conjunction with the MSFTF determined Butterfly was residing in the 1600 Block of Engle Switch Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV.
“Further information received during the investigation led detectives to the Hollywood Casinos Racetrack in Charles Town, WV where the subject was known to be a jockey.
“On July 13, members of the MSFTF arrested Butterfly at his residence on the 1600 block of Engle Switch Road.”
Acting US Marshal Terry Moore said: “This case illustrates how well US Marshals offices across the nation work together with other state and local agencies to locate and remove violent subjects from the community.”
Butterfly has raced at prominent tracks including Emerald Downs, Ellis Park and Laurel Park.
In three years as a jockey he has won 58 of 771 races and has career earnings of £1.6million.
