Two Philadelphia Men Sentenced to Decades for 2016 Murder

After nearly a decade, justice has been served in the murder case of Herbert Lyals, a Bristol Township man who was shot and killed on his 38th birthday. On November 3, 2023, two Philadelphia men, George Javon Clark and John Marquis Wilson, received lengthy state prison sentences for their involvement in the crime, marking a significant resolution to one of Bucks County’s most haunting cold cases.

Details of the Sentencing

Senior Judge Thomas C. Branca sentenced Clark to 20 to 40 years in state prison following his conviction in July after a weeklong jury trial. Wilson, who pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree murder and robbery, received a sentence of 16 to 32 years.

During the emotional hearing, family members of Lyals spoke about the profound impact his death had on their lives. His mother poignantly stated, “The night that they took my son, they took a part of me with them,” highlighting the enduring pain experienced by his loved ones.

Details of the Crime

The incident occurred shortly after midnight on July 27, 2016, outside Lyals’ cousin’s home. Prosecutors revealed that Clark and Wilson had targeted Lyals after learning he had money. They lured him outside under the pretense of a visit before attempting to rob him. During this confrontation, Clark fatally shot Lyals at 12:45 a.m., ending the life of a man described by prosecutors as “a velvet teddy bear” — gentle, family-oriented, and deeply loved.

Evidence gathered during the investigation included cell phone records that indicated multiple communications between Lyals and Wilson that night, as well as numerous calls and texts exchanged between Wilson and Clark before and after the shooting. This evidence illustrated a clear narrative of a robbery that escalated to murder.

Following the initial investigation, the case was reopened after a thorough re-examination led by Bucks County Detective Eric Landamia and Bristol Township Detective Alex Asmann, with support from the Bucks County Investigating Grand Jury. Their diligence ultimately led to the successful prosecution of both men.

Bucks County District Attorney Gregory R. Bock expressed gratitude for the detectives’ unwavering commitment and acknowledged the courage of Lyals’ family throughout the long journey for justice. “It took nearly a decade, but the message is clear — Bucks County never stops seeking justice for its victims,” he stated.

The sentencing for Clark and Wilson serves as a bittersweet conclusion to a painful chapter for Lyals’ family, who continue to grieve the loss of a devoted father and friend. With this ruling, they hope to find some closure, marking the end of a long and arduous pursuit of justice.