Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe has been indicted on manslaughter charges in the Czech Republic. This is following his arrest and incarceration in Prague earlier this summer. Read on for more details.
Officials in the Czech Republic arrested the frontman who was charged with manslaughter. The related incident took place at a concert in May of 2010, when a fan allegedly sustained head injuries at a show and died two weeks later. Now Blythe is indicted on manslaughter charges as a result of this. Within the next three months, either the court will set a trial date or decide to take the case back to undergo further investigation. He possibly faces conviction and a long-term jail sentence.
Band manager, Larry Mazer released this statement earlier today:
“After a three month investigation, the prosecutor in the Czech Republic has decided to move forward with an indictment of Randy Blythe on the charge of manslaughter with intent to cause bodily harm. Obviously, we intend to fight vigorously against these charges as we feel that in no way did Randy intend to cause bodily harm on the young fan who subsequently died from injuries sustained at the show. As he has stated previously, Randy intends to go to Prague to defend himself at trial.
While it is a tragedy that a Lamb of God fan died following a performance by the group, in no way do I feel that Randy did anything improper that led to the young man’s injuries and subsequent death. The price of a ticket to a show does not entitle audience members access to a band’s stage. In the years since the murder on stage of Dimebag Darrell Abbott, performers of all genres have had to become more guarded while performing in response to the dangers presented by fans trying to become part of the performance. We believe that Randy responded professionally to the numerous amount of fans rushing the stage that day, a number of them captured on videos that have been posted on the internet. We have testimony from the venue operator that acknowledges lax security and an improper barricade being used that evening. Numerous testimonies from fans also were contradictory as to the actions of the multiple fans that tried to access the stage.
At this point, all that the band, myself, and our lawyers can do is to present a defense and try to convince the panel of judges who will hear the case that Randy is innocent of all charges and that his name and reputation need to be cleared and that he be permitted to carry on with his life and career always mindful that a fan passed away after a Lamb of God performance.
Blythe said himself (courtesy to Blabbermouth) that he is ready to return to Prague and fight against the claims charged against him. He said:
“I feel ethically responsible to go back there and face this charge. [The victim’s] family right now is in a lot of pain, and they deserve some answers. To lose a child is the worst possible thing a human can go through, I think .. I want my name cleared. I have to go around the world and tour, you know. That’s what I do. I’m not going to hide here. I’m an innocent man. I’m going to go to court and see what happens.”
As far as what could possibly happen as the “worst-case scenario,” Blythe responded:
“Ten years with no time off for good behavior. For my particular charge — we’re saying manslaughter, but it’s assault in the fourth degree with intent, resulting in the death of this young man — the sentence for that is five to 10 years with no time off. So the worst-case scenario is that get out when I’m 51, 52 years old. It’s not something I really try to dwell on too much, because it’s scary. I don’t want to go to prison, I don’t want that to happen, but the fact of the matter is it could happen. I will deal with it as it comes, that’s all! can do. If you have one foot in the past and one foot in the future, you’re pissing on the present. And right now, all! have is the present so I prepare myself the best I can. My band is behind me and my family’s behind me and we’re gonna do our best to prove my innocence. But worrying about a nebulous uncertain future, or being super-bummed out that l went to prison for 37 days does me no good”
Click here to read about Blythe’s reaction upon leaving Prague after his incarceration.
UPDATE
Although everyone was prepared to wait three months for a decision, the Municipal Court confirmed last week that a trial will be held for Randy Blythe on February 4, 2013.
Earlier this month, response was issued by the White House to fans and supporters of the petition to free Blythe. The public was to “expect that the Czech government will make all efforts to ensure a fair, transparent and timely trial for Mr. Blythe, and guarantee full protection of his legal rights under Czech law and his welfare.”
The trial date is set and Blythe is ready to face whatever hand he is dealt. Only a matter of months until the trial begins.
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