Holmes County man convicted of Second-Degree Murder

HOLMES COUNTY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - A Holmes County man was convicted of Second-Degree Murder on Wednesday.

A jury of 6 deliberated for 45 minutes before finding Matthew Ryan Peoples guilty as charged of Second-Degree Murder with a Firearm in the 2023 shooting death of Tyler Pate

Prosecutors Peter Overstreet and Jacob Cook called 10 witnesses and presented evidence proving that the defendant shot Pate, who was unarmed.

The altercation happened after an evening of arguments between the victim and the defendant’s sister.

Peoples claimed Pate threatened to beat him up. Then, when they were outside with the police on the way, Peoples claimed Pate started running toward him as if he wanted to fight. Peoples then shot Pate once in the chest.

The State Attorney’s office says Overstreet and Cook proved the victim did not harm or threaten anyone, did not have a weapon, but the defendant shot Pate because he was afraid he would lose a fight he had provoked.

“The State of Florida respects your right to defend yourself,” Overstreet said. “However, there’s a difference between self-defense and murder.

“This was a tragic event that never would have happened but for the defendant inserting himself into his sister’s argument and arming himself,” Overstreet said. “He chose to engage the victim and elevate the verbal exchange knowing that while Pate was bigger, he was armed.”

According to witness testimony and evidence presented, on Sept. 4, 2023, Pate was visiting his girlfriend Kaylynn Streight, who is Peoples’ sister. She and Pate shared a child. Peoples lived with his mother next door.

Pate and Streight were arguing when he lost his temper. Witnesses say the two often argued, but Pate had never been physical with her.

Streight was on the phone with her mother, who overheard the arguing and testified that she was worried about her daughter and grandchild, so she sent her son to check on them.

Streight went with her brother to their mother’s house and called the police.

She returned home to get a pair of shorts. Peoples noticed she left, grabbed his firearm, and took the loaded pistol with him outside, where he and Pate argued. He claims Pate charged at him. Peoples then fired at Pate.

The defendant said that he was afraid the victim could and would beat him up.

“Peoples told investigators if there was a fight, ‘we know how that’s going to end,’’ Overstreet said. “So he shot a man because he didn’t want to lose a fight that he helped provoke.”

Basford thanked the Bonifay Police Department for its response and initial investigation, along with the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office for its assistance.

Peoples sentencing was set for Aug. 20 at 1:15 p.m.

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