Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 15, 1994 TAG: 9409150060
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DIANE STRUZZI
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Bryan Keith Johnson pleaded for leniency, saying that during his time in jail he had found God and had sought treatment for alcohol abuse. But Roanoke County Circuit Judge G.O. Clemens upheld the sentence set by the jury.
In July, Johnson was found guilty of manslaughter in the beating and stomping death of Ralph Dewey Day. The two men, along with a group of older street people, had been binge drinking in Johnson's apartment last September. A fight broke out after Johnson became angry because Day ate a tomato that Johnson wanted.
A jail inmate testified during Johnson's trial that Johnson had said the dispute was over a sandwich.
Vinton police found Day's bruised and bloodied body at the residence.
Wednesday, Johnson said that he was so drunk he couldn't remember what happened.
"I miss my best friend Ralph," Johnson said. "I'm sorry he's dead, but I can't bring him back. There ain't nothing I can do."
by CNB