JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Bursey Armstrong, the man accused of killing radio personality Tasheka Young and her unborn child in July 2022, has been found guilty of second-degree murder on both counts.
Second-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum sentence of life in prison in the state of Florida. A representative for the SAO says the state plans to pursue life on both counts.
“It’s a bittersweet moment," said Anthony Cobb, Young's cousin. "It’s bitter to the point that we did lose two lives, but it’s sweet to the point that justice was served today.”
Cobb said it was challenging for the family to relive what happened to the radio personality two years ago through the evidence presented in the case against Bursey Armstrong.
“It brought back so many memories from two years ago," said Cobb. "It’s taken a long time for this to occur, but we’re glad the verdict did come out the way it did.”
Armstrong opted not to testify.
The jury heard from a dozen witnesses throughout the three-day trial, ranging from a neighbor to detectives on the scene to a road worker who found Young’s phone on the side of the road.
Olivia Young, Young's mother, took the stand on the second day of the trial to share what it was like to find her daughter’s body with her two young children in the room.
“Tasheka was standing there with me and saying, 'Mama, you’ve got to stay strong and say what you’ve got to say,' and that’s what I did," said Olivia Young.
While the trial focused on Armstrong, Young’s family can now focus on Young’s legacy.
“Whatever she could do for you, she would do it," said Olivia Young. "If you were in need for something, Tasheka would give it to you. That was my baby. She’s just like mama.”
Sentencing is set to start August 19.
Armstrong had a history of being violent with Young. At the time of her death, her mother told police Armstrong held a gun to Young's head two weeks before he killed her. She was pregnant at the time.
Young had previously worked as a broadcaster for Jacksonville's Power 106.1 Tru Hip Hop station. She was known as "Tysheeks" in the Jacksonville community.
"She just gives so much love. She has so much love to give to the community, to people," a friend told First Coast News at the time of her death. "She was a great mom. She loved them. There's nothing in this world that she wouldn't do for them."
If you are in an unsafe situation and need help in Duval County, you can call the Hubbard House 24/7 hotline. That number is 904-354-3114.
The Florida Domestic Violence hotline is 1-800-500-1119, or you can visit myFLfamilies.com.
In Georgia, the number to call is 1-800-344-2836, or you can visit gcadv.org.