FOX 14 TV Joplin and Pittsburg News Weather Sports |Hearing for Joplin man charged with killing a toddler will not be moved to another venue
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Kyler Jones, 2, was pronounced dead September 2, 2008 at a Joplin hospital.
Updated Monday May 24, 2010 - 5:10 PM CST
Byron Lang is charged with second degree murder for the death of Kyler Jones, 2.
Kyler was in Lang's care in September 2008 when police say Lang took the boy to the emergency room.
Autopsy results show the toddler died from blunt force trauma.
On Monday in a Jasper County courtroom the defense asked for a change of venue but was denied by the judge.
Lang has plead not guilty to the charges.
Updated April 5, 2010 - 1:15 PM CST
The Joplin man who was on the run after charges of murder appears in court.
Byron Lang is accused of killing Kyler Jones, 2, last September.
Police say Lang was caring for the child at the time of his death.
Autopsy reports concluded Kyler died of blunt force trauma.
In October Lang failed to appear in court. Texas authorities arrested him in March after receiving information from Joplin police.
On Monday in a Jasper County courtroom Lang plead not guilty to second degree murder charges.
His next court date is scheduled for next month.
Updated March 12, 2010 - 1:35 PM CST
The man charged in the second degree murder death of a Joplin child has been captured.
A Joplin detective learned on March 10 of an address in Big Springs, Texas that suspect Byron D. Lang may be located.
The U.S. Marshall's office in Springfield, Missouri was contacted with the information, who then notified the U.S. Marshall's offices in Lubbock and Abilene, Texas.
On March 11, U.S. Marshall's as well officers from the Big Springs Police Department, Howard County Sheriff's Office and the Howard County District Attorney's Office went to the address.
Lang was located in a vehicle that pulled up to the location and was taken into custody.
Lang is currently in the Howard County Jail awaiting extradition to Missouri.
Updated December 24, 2009 - 4:00 PM CST
Byron Lang is charged with second degree murder in the death of a child. Lang failed to appear in court and is believed to have fled to Texas. However, police say they believe Lang is now in the Joplin area, probably for Christmas.
Kyler Jones was two years old when Lang brought him to a hospital in September 2008.
A medical examiner's report concluded the toddler died of blunt force trauma to the body and head.
Police say Lang was caring for the child at the time of his death.
If you have information about Byron Lang contact your local law enforcement agency or the Joplin Police Department.
Updated October 19, 2009 - 4:45 PM CST
A Joplin man fails to appear in court on a murder charge, and is now a fugitive from the law.
Byron Lang is charged with second murder in the death of a toddler who was in his care.
Kyler Jones was two years old at the time of his death in September 2008. A medical examiner's report concluded the toddler died of blunt force trauma to the body and head.
Lang was set for an arraignment on Monday and failed to show up in court.
His bond had been set at $100,000.
The judge has issued a warrant for Lang's arrest and set a date to forfeit his bond.
Updated April 1, 2009 - 6:34 PM CST
CARTHAGE, MO. - Byron Lang made his first appearance in Jasper County court Wednesday on a charge of 2nd degree murder.
Lang, 19, is accused of killing Kyler Jones, 2, last September.
A medical examiner's report concluded the toddler died of blunt force trauma to the body and head.
Police say Lang was caring for the child at the time of his death.
Lang will be back in court later this month.
Updated March 13, 2009 - 12:36 PM CST
The Jasper County prosecutor's office issued a warrant for the arrest of Byron Lang, 19, on March 11, and he was arrested March 12 for 2nd degree murder.
Police say Lang posted his $50,000 bond.
According to authorities, Kyler Jones, 2, was staying with Lang on September 2, 2008 at his apartment in Joplin.
Lang is accused of repeatedly striking Jones in the abdomen and head.
Police say Lang then brought the toddler to St. John's Express Care, and the child was unconscious and not breathing.
Jones was later pronounced dead at St. John's Regional Medical Center.
A medical examiner's report concluded the toddler died of blunt force trauma to the body and head.
Law enforcement say Byron Lang was a suspect from the beginning in this case, and claim he admitted the child was in his care before bringing him to the hospital.
On April 1 Lang appeared before the court and pled not guilty to the 2nd degree murder charge.
Lang is scheduled to appear in court April 22.
Updated September 5, 2008 - 12:16 PM CST
Joplin police say a toddler pronounced dead at St. John's Hospital Tuesday is two-year-old Kyler Jones.
Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday at Osborne Memorial Cemetery.
Police are continuing to investigate the death and are still awaiting autopsy results.
NINA CRISCUOLO contributed to this story
