Olympic Gymnast Simone Biles' Brother Tevin Pleads Not Guilty in NYE Triple Homicide in Ohio

Tevin Biles-Thomas entered a not guilty plea to triple murder charges during his arraignment where a bond has been set for his release. The mother of one of the victims expressed her dismay.

Tevin Biles-Thomas, the brother of Olympic gymnast Simone Biles has entered a not guilty plea to triple murder charges filed against him.

THE ARRAIGNMENT

Biles-Thomas appeared on video for his arraignment on Friday at the Cuyahoga County Court. His lawyer pleaded not guilty on his behalf as he sat silently wearing an orange jumpsuit. He is currently being held at Cuyahoga County Jail with bail set at $1 million. He was also ordered not to make any contact with any surviving victims.

“I don’t agree with a million dollars bond, not for the murder of three people.”

HIS ARREST

Biles-Thomas was arrested in Georgia on August 29 as the prime suspect in the murder of three people at a New Year’s Eve party in Cleveland. The 24-year-old was identified as the shooter who attended the party uninvited and claimed the lives of Delvante Johnson, 19, Toshaun Banks, 21, and De Vaughn Gibson, 23.

A MOTHER'S PAIN

Johnson’s mother, Brandie Johnson expressed her disappointment after learning of Biles-Thomas’ hearing and the bond that was set for his release. “I don’t agree with a million dollars bond, not for the murder of three people,” she told Cleveland.com.

The grieving mom shed tears as she recounted what happened to her son. She also revealed that Biles’ biological father was her cousin and that her son and Banks left daughters who were born in July. “We’re just trying to find out how to get through this for their babies,” she said tearfully.

"There is nothing I can say that will heal anyone’s pain, but I do want to express my sincere condolences to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy.”

HIS SISTER'S HEARTBREAK

Biles-Thomas’ arrest was a source of pain for Biles who held a special place in her heart for her brother even though they didn’t grow up together. Both were adopted by different relatives after being placed in foster care in their early years.

In 2014, Biles wished her brother good luck when he entered the Army. In 2017, she posted a photo of the two of them and mentioned how they looked like twins.

Biles was initially reclusive when she learned of her brother’s charges. She simply tweeted, “eating my feelings don’t talk to me.”

A few days later, she opened up in another tweet, this time expressing her heartache for the victims and their families.

“My heart aches for everyone involved, especially for the victims and their families. There is nothing I can say that will heal anyone’s pain, but I do want to express my sincere condolences to everyone affected by this terrible tragedy,” she wrote.

Biles-Thomas is scheduled to appear in the next hearing on September 18 at 9 am.