A man who claimed self-defense in the deadly shooting of his roommate received his sentence Wednesday and faces the rest of his life in prison.
A Franklin County jury and judge dismissed 39-year-old Brian Sias’ claim that he shot and killed William Applegate in self-defense. A guilty judgment was returned in August, resulting in this week’s sentence, which included a failed petition to dismiss.
Sias was sentenced to life in prison, with the chance of parole in 21 years. He was convicted of two charges of murder and one count of felonious assault, all with firearm requirements.
On the afternoon of August 15, 2024, police were dispatched to a North Linden home on the 1300 block of Manchester Avenue, where a reported roommate fight was taking place. While in route, officers received word that a gunshot had happened.
Sias was discovered on the front porch with his hands raised and a revolver in the front pocket of his hoodie. He informed investigators that he and Applegate had gotten into an argument before the shooting, and he claimed self-defense when Applegate allegedly kicked and struck him repeatedly.
A witness verified that the two were arguing and that Applegate punched Sias more than ten times while he was on the ground. The witness reportedly informed authorities that Sias and Applegate had hit each other before hearing gunfire.
Applegate was found with a gunshot wound to the chest and died at 1:31 p.m. The video player above shows a prior report on this story.
Immediately following the guilty verdict, defense counsel filed a motion asking the judge to overturn the verdict and move for an acquittal, claiming that the “state failed to present sufficient evidence that Sias was not acting in self-defense.”
Sias’ counsel said that not only did Applegate, who was on probation for felonious assault, allegedly throw the first punch, but it was Sias who contacted 911 to report the confrontation prior to the shooting.
The judge refused the motion and imposed the sentence.
Leave a Comment