Overton Woman Charged in Pregnant Kilgore Woman's Murder

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A trial date has been set for an Overton woman charged with capital murder in the 2016 death of a pregnant Kilgore woman. Heather Young is one of three people accused of killing Sheryia Brager by striking her with a blunt object and setting her on fire. Young could face the death penalty or life in prison if convicted.

Why it matters

This case has drawn significant attention in the East Texas region due to the brutal nature of the crime and the involvement of multiple suspects. The upcoming trial will likely bring renewed scrutiny to the criminal justice system and issues around capital punishment.

The details

Heather Young, along with Allen Sutton and Edward Brager, have been charged in the 2016 death of Sheryia Brager, a pregnant woman from Troup, Texas. Indictments allege the trio killed Brager by striking her with a blunt object and then setting her on fire. Young is facing a first-degree felony charge and could receive the death penalty or life in prison without parole if convicted.

• Sheryia Brager went missing in August 2016.
• Heather Young's trial is set to begin in September 2027, with jury selection starting in August 2027.
• A tentative trial date for Edward Brager has not yet been set.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide in the coming months whether to allow the death penalty as a possible punishment for Heather Young if she is convicted.