Two Philadelphia Men Sentenced for 2016 Bristol Birthday Murder

In a significant development for a long-standing murder case, two men from Philadelphia received substantial prison sentences for their involvement in the 2016 shooting death of a Bristol Township man. On July 27, 2016, Herbert Lyals was fatally shot outside his cousin’s home shortly after midnight, marking a tragic end to his 38th birthday.

George Javon Clark, aged 34, and John Marquis Wilson, aged 45, were sentenced on October 6, 2023, bringing closure to one of Bucks County’s unresolved crimes. Senior Judge Thomas C. Branca sentenced Clark to a term of 20 to 40 years in state prison. Wilson, who pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree murder and robbery, received a sentence of 16 to 32 years.

During the emotional proceedings, family members of Lyals expressed the profound impact of his death. “The night that they took my son, they took a part of me with them,” his mother stated in court. The tragic murder left Lyals’ family grappling with their loss, as he was remembered as a loving father of three.

The prosecution, led by Deputy District Attorneys Thomas C. Gannon and Chad Kovack, revealed that Clark and Wilson targeted Lyals after learning he had money. They lured him outside under the pretense of a visit, only to attempt a robbery. The situation escalated when Clark shot Lyals at 12:45 a.m., ending the life of a man described by prosecutors as “a velvet teddy bear” — gentle and cherished by those who knew him.

In building their case, investigators uncovered a series of cell phone records that indicated multiple communications between Lyals and Wilson on the night of the incident. Additionally, there was a significant exchange of calls and texts between Wilson and Clark both before and after the shooting, suggesting a premeditated plan that turned fatal.

A renewed investigation led by Bucks County Detective Eric Landamia and Bristol Township Detective Alex Asmann played a crucial role in reviving the case. Their efforts, along with assistance from the Bucks County Investigating Grand Jury, ultimately brought the case to trial. Bucks County District Attorney Gregory R. Bock commended the detectives for their relentless pursuit of justice and highlighted the family’s courage throughout the lengthy legal process.

“It took nearly a decade, but the message is clear — Bucks County never stops seeking justice for its victims,” Bock stated.

For Lyals’ family, the sentencing not only represents a conclusion to a painful chapter but also serves as a stark reminder of the life that was abruptly taken from them. The community reflects on the impact of this crime, underscoring the importance of justice in the wake of tragedy.