Grand Rapids Man Acquitted of Murder in Friend's Execution-Style Killing: Darryl Yarber Hit by Dozen Shots
Grand Rapids jury acquitted Tyriq Bettison of murder charges in the 2023 execution-style killing of Darryl Yarber, who was fatally shot by Dominike Sterling in the Burton Heights neighborhood.
Jury Returns Not-Guilty Verdict in Darryl Yarber Murder Trial
GRAND RAPIDS, MI — Tyriq Bettison was found not guilty Thursday of all charges in a murder trial where prosecutors alleged he lured a friend to his execution.
Bettison, 27, was found not guilty of first-degree premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree premeditated murder in the death of Darryl Yarber.
The jury deliberated for about three hours before a verdict was reached, defense attorney Damian Nunzio told MLive/The Grand Rapids Press.
Yarber was fatally shot on Nov. 6, 2023, in the Burton Heights neighborhood. He was sitting on the hood of a vehicle on Horton Avenue SE where an armed Dominike Sterling awaited to open fire. Sterling wanted Yarber dead for personal reasons.
Yarber testified against Sterling in a 2017 bank robbery case that sent Sterling to prison. Sterling ambushed Yarber, firing a dozen gunshots. Yarber was hit eight times.
Sterling was convicted of first-degree murder, among other charges, at a separate trial. He is serving life in prison without possibility of parole.
The photo was shown to jurors during Bettison's trial in Kent County Circuit Court on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Testimony concluded on Wednesday in Kent County Circuit Court with the prosecution resting its case. The defense rested Thursday without calling any witnesses.
Bettison appeared in Kent County Circuit Court for the conclusion of testimony in a murder trial on Thursday, March 26, 2026.
"A man was acquitted of all charges in a murder trial where prosecutors alleged he lured a friend to his execution."
The case highlights the complex dynamics of gang violence and witness protection in the Burton Heights neighborhood of Grand Rapids.
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