The verdict is in for Lamb of God frontman Randy Blythe's Prague trial over the death of 19 year old fan Daniel Nosek, and Blythe is acquitted of all charges.
Blythe was being charged with manslaughter on claims that he pushed Nosek and that push led to injuries which ultimately led to the fan's untimely death. The trial resumed yesterday with further testimony (our report here) after a week of testimony last month (read a full recap here).
Before the verdict was reached, Blythe made a final statement to the court saying:
"I would like to thank the family of Daniel Nosek for not attacking me in the press and for their kind words to me in this court. I am very sorry for their loss.
Daniel was a fan of my band. I had no wish to harm him. He was just a boy and I wish he was still here.
If, ultimately the Czech legal system sentences me to prison, I will do my sentence like a man.
If I am to remain free, I will do my best to insure that conditions at this concert will not occur again with my band and other bands so that the fans will remain safe.
I have searched for an answer to this situation. The only one I can find is that it was a tragic, horrible accident."
Here is video of the statement:
Blythe released a short statement on his medium of choice, his Instagram page posting a poignant photo of himself from New York City a few weeks back:
Blythe wrote: "I have been found not guilty & acquitted of all charges against me. I am a free man," adding "Please remember the family of Daniel Nosek in your thoughts & prayers in this difficult time. I only wish for them peace. Thank you for your support- Randy"
Blythe's band member, Lamb of God guitarist Mark Morton chimed in to keep things in perspective:
Very relieved for my dear friend.But we still think of Daniel each and every day. There is nothing about this that can be "celebrated".
— Mark Morton (@MarkDuaneMorton) March 5, 2013
For our previous coverage of the trial, click here.
