FARGO, N.D. (trfnews.i234.me) – The murder charge against Tyreik Taylor-Roberts will stand after a judge denied a motion to dismiss during Monday’s preliminary hearing.
Taylor-Roberts is accused of shooting and killing Jalab Moses outside a Fargo apartment complex in September 2024.
Self-Defense Claim Rejected for Now
Taylor-Roberts has claimed self-defense from the start.
He told witnesses to call 911 and handed his gun to officers when they arrived.
Witnesses say Moses was advancing toward Taylor-Roberts, despite warnings to stop.
Investigators admitted there’s no evidence proving it wasn’t self-defense.
However, the judge ruled the murder charge must proceed because only probable cause is needed at this stage—meaning the fact that Taylor-Roberts killed Moses is enough for now.
Judge Questions Strength of the Prosecution’s Case
While the judge upheld the charge, he cast doubt on the strength of the prosecution’s argument, telling the defense they have a stronger argument than the Raymond Gun case—a 2022 Fargo murder trial where the defendant was acquitted after claiming self-defense.
The defense also compared the case to a 2023 West Fargo shooting, where a school teacher fatally shot a man outside Prairie Heights Church and was never charged because the incident was caught on video.
Defense Frustrated by Bail Denial
Attorney Nicole Bredahl criticized the legal process, arguing that Taylor-Roberts is being wrongfully held when previous self-defense cases have resulted in acquittals.
“My client was friends with Jalab. He did not want this to happen,” Bredahl said.
“What do you do when someone keeps advancing toward you when you have a gun pointed at them?”
The defense requested bail reduction, but the judge denied it, noting he is not overseeing the full case.
What’s Next?
Taylor-Roberts has entered a not guilty plea on all charges, and the case will now proceed to trial. The judge’s comments suggest prosecutors will face a difficult battle proving murder beyond a reasonable doubt.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRFNews