Introduction
Tragedy struck twice for one family, first with a brutal beheading and then with the death of a young child. This chilling story is about Bahsid McLean, a man who beheaded his mother, and Zarah Coombs, the mother of his son, who beat the boy to death with a broomstick. These heinous acts left a wake of pain, trauma, and sorrow, revealing a dark side of human behavior.
The Tragic Link Between Two Horrific Crimes
This story links two separate but equally horrific crimes. First, in 2013, Bahsid McLean brutally murdered and dismembered his mother, Tanya Byrd. Later, in 2017, his ex-partner, Zarah Coombs, killed their 4-year-old son, Zamair McLean. It’s a tale that highlights how violence and tragedy can cascade across generations, leaving scars that run deep.
The Beheading of Tanya Byrd
Let’s start with the shocking murder of Tanya Byrd, a crime that sent shockwaves through New York City.
3.1 The Murder of Tanya Byrd
In February 2013, Bahsid McLean committed one of the most gruesome murders in recent memory. He stabbed his mother, Tanya Byrd, in the neck and then dismembered her body using a saw. His crime was particularly grotesque because he took photos holding her decapitated head and even posted them on Facebook. This senseless act of violence was just the beginning of a long and painful investigation.
3.2 Bahsid McLean’s Troubled Past
Bahsid McLean’s life was marred by violence and instability. His mother, Tanya Byrd, had been concerned about his behavior for a long time. He had a history of violence, including setting fires and assaulting police officers. He had also been diagnosed with schizophrenia and other mental health issues, which likely contributed to his erratic behavior. Despite these signs, no one could have predicted the horror he would unleash.
3.3 The Crime Scene and Investigation
After murdering his mother, Bahsid McLean took great pains to cover his tracks. He dismembered her body and stuffed the pieces into three separate garbage bags, then placed those bags into duffel bags, which he scattered throughout different locations in the Bronx. The discovery of these bags was a gruesome reminder of the brutality of the crime. The investigation quickly led back to Bahsid McLean, who had filed a missing person report on his mother, a move that raised suspicion among the authorities.
3.4 The Arrest of Bahsid McLean
When police arrived at the scene, they were immediately struck by the strong odor of bleach, suggesting a cover-up attempt. After detectives found his mother’s head, Bahsid McLean confessed to the crime. He claimed that his friend, William Harris, had actually killed his mother and threatened him if he did not help dismember and dispose of the body. However, his confession and the evidence found at the scene led to his arrest, along with William Harris.
3.5 The Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, Bahsid McLean’s defense team hoped for a verdict of “not guilty by reason of insanity.” Despite his claims of hearing voices and his mental health issues, the jury found him guilty of second-degree murder and other charges related to the dismemberment of his mother’s body. He was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison and is currently serving his sentence at the Clinton Correctional Facility. He will be eligible for parole in 2039.
The Murder of Zamair McLean
Tragedy struck again when Bahsid McLean’s ex-partner, Zarah Coombs, murdered their 4-year-old son, Zamair McLean.
4.1 The Relationship Between Bahsid McLean and Zarah Coombs
Bahsid and Zarah had a brief and troubled relationship. After Zarah became pregnant, the couple separated, and she later found love with another man, Jamar Richardson, with whom she had two more children. Despite the split, the shadow of violence lingered.
4.2 The Crime Scene and Emergency Response
In January 2017, police were called to the couple’s home after Jamar Richardson found Zamair unresponsive in a plastic tote filled with water. Zarah Coombs had beaten the boy with a broomstick and then placed him in the tote while tending to her other children. Paramedics found the young boy clinging to life, but he eventually succumbed to his injuries the next day.
4.3 The Investigation and Arrest of Zarah Coombs
The police investigation quickly uncovered evidence of abuse and neglect. Zarah Coombs confessed to beating her son with a broomstick, admitting that she placed him in the plastic tote filled with water. The brutality of the crime left investigators and medical personnel in shock. Zarah claimed that financial pressures and stress led her to lash out at her son, but nothing could justify such a violent act against an innocent child.
4.4 The Trial and Sentencing
During the trial, Zarah Coombs confessed to the crime and expressed remorse for her actions. Despite her expressions of regret, the court sentenced her to 17 years in prison, a punishment that reflects the severity of her crime. She is currently serving her sentence at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
The Ripple Effect of Tragedy
The aftermath of these horrific events sent shockwaves through the families and communities involved. The impact of these crimes goes beyond the immediate victims, affecting everyone who knew them.
5.1 The Impact on the Families
The families of both Tanya Byrd and Zamair McLean faced unimaginable pain and loss. The senseless violence left them grieving and struggling to understand how things could go so wrong. It also raised questions about how society addresses mental health issues and the safety of children in unstable households.
5.2 The Lasting Consequences
The consequences of these tragedies are profound. The loss of innocent lives due to violence is a stark reminder of the need for better mental health support and stronger child protection services. It also highlights the importance of community awareness and intervention when signs of violence or instability are present.
Conclusion
The story of Bahsid McLean and Zarah Coombs is a heartbreaking reminder of how violence can tear families apart and leave a trail of destruction in its wake. The loss of Tanya Byrd and Zamair McLean is a tragedy that should never be forgotten. It serves as a call to action for better mental health resources, stronger child protection policies, and a more vigilant community to prevent such horrors from happening again.
FAQs
7.1 What led to Bahsid McLean’s violent behavior?
Bahsid McLean had a troubled past, with a history of mental health issues, including schizophrenia. His violent tendencies and erratic behavior were red flags that went unaddressed, leading to the tragic murder of his mother, Tanya Byrd.
7.2 How did the community react to these crimes?
The community was shocked and horrified by both crimes. The brutality of the murders and the tragic loss of innocent lives sent shockwaves through the Bronx and beyond, prompting discussions about mental health and child protection.
7.3 What is the current status of Bahsid McLean and Zarah Coombs?
Bahsid McLean is serving a 25-year to life sentence at the Clinton Correctional Facility. He will be eligible for parole in 2039. Zarah Coombs was sentenced to 17 years in prison and is serving her time at Bedford Hills Correctional Facility.
7.4 How do cases like this impact criminal justice policies?
These cases highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues and strengthening child protection services. They underscore the need for better community resources and support systems to prevent violence and protect vulnerable individuals.
7.5 How can we prevent such tragedies in the future?
Preventing such tragedies requires a multi-faceted approach. It involves improving mental health support, strengthening child protection policies, and fostering community awareness and intervention when signs of violence or instability are present. Early intervention and support can make a significant difference in preventing similar tragedies.
