In Re Mathew Ryan Byrd

………………………………………………………….……………….. 1 Parties to the Proceeding …………………………………………………..………………… 1 Opinion Below ……………………………………………………………….………………… 3 Jurisdiction …………………………………………………………….……………………… 4 Statutory Provisions Involved ………………………………………………………………. 4 Statement of the Case ……………………………………………………………………..…. 7 Argument in Support ……………………………………………………………………….. 14 I. Mr. Byrd Suffers from Serious Underlying Medical Conditions, Putting Him at Risk of Severe Illness or Death from COVID-19.……………………………………………………………..……... 15 II. Mr. Byrd’s Risk of Contracting COVID-19 Is Heightened While He Remains Incarcerated.….…………………………………………….… 18 III. In Light of the Life-Threatening Health Risks Posed to Mr. Byrd Through Continued Incarceration, the Fourth Circuit Has Abused Its Discretion in Failing to Render a Timely Decision as to Mr. Byrd’s Appeal or Motion to Expedite, Warranting a Writ of Mandamus ………………………………………………………….…...… 24 Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………….………… 25