Andrew Gesslein II, 43, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Maurice "O Head" Randolph on April 29 at the North End Republican Club.
Gesslein, who was working for the Whitehall Township-based Eye in the Sky security firm, maintained he acted in self-defense when he shot Randolph, 23, three times after a brief struggle at the door.
Gesslein faces up to 20 years in prison at sentencing scheduled June 11, said Lehigh County Judge Robert Steinberg, who ruled the Berks County resident could remain free on bail until that time. Gesslein didn't make any statement when asked by the judge.
A large contingent of Randolph's family and friends, including his mother, Michelle Randolph, were in attendance. After the verdict, Michelle Randolph said she wished Gesslein had apologized.
"He's never shown remorse," Michelle Randolph said. "That just shows how heartless he was."
Courtroom reactions
After the verdict was read, a brief cheer erupted on the Randolph family's side of the gallery, only to be quickly silenced by Steinberg.
On the other side of the room, two women sobbed. Outside the courtroom the women were ushered away by sheriff's deputies.
The trial lasted four days. The prosecution and defense finished their closing arguments this morning.
Both sides concur there was an escalating war of words between Gesslein and Randolph for about 20 minutes, as Gesslein repeatedly rebuffed attempts by Randolph and his companions to enter the club.
Defense attorney James Connell said Gesslein feared for his life when Randolph and his companions made a "bum rush" at Gesslein to get into the club. Gesslein has maintained Randolph appeared to be reaching for a gun, although no weapon was found on Randolph.
Connell said whether or not Randolph actually had a gun was not important, but rather that Gesslein felt legitimately threatened.
"He wants to go home to his wife and daughter," Connell said. "The only way to do that in his mind is to shoot first."
Surveillance key
First Assistant District Attorney Steve Luksa said Randolph was running away from Gesslein at the time of the shooting. According to Luksa, Gesslein became angry and shot Randolph without justification.
A central piece of evidence was the surveillance video taken from outside of the club that night. Randolph and three companions are shown about 3 a.m. being stopped by Gesslein several times at the door. Finally an agitated Randolph and his companions enter and the club door closes. Moments later, the group rushes out the door and Randolph falls to the ground outside the entrance. Gesslein immediately follows him outside holding his pistol, before going back in the club and closing the door.
Gesslein is not seen shooting the weapon on the video, and that sequence of events was at the center of the trial.
The jury had asked to review the video during its deliberations, according to a court official.
Defense disputed
Connell argued Randolph was inside the club for more than 30 seconds, plenty of time for the events Gesslein described to happen. Gesslein testified Randolph and a companion grabbed his jacket and arm once inside.
"Michael Randolph was the aggressor," Connell said. "He created this situation."
Luksa argued Randolph is seen on the surveillance video diving out of the door in a "Superman" position, and that is when Gesslein is shooting him.
Luksa argued Gesslein invented his self-defense story to justify his actions.
"He knows he's angry and he shot Michael three times in the back," Luksa said. "He knows he can't do that."
The incident was controversial from the start, as a five-week lag in filing criminal charges after the shooting prompted city residents to hold protests calling for an arrest and questioning the police department's transparency. Michelle Randolph was also displeased the charge was manslaughter rather than murder.
Sheriff's deputies increased security outside the fourth-floor courtroom, including installing a metal detector.
Source: lehighvalleylive.com