Nov 16, 2003 2 min read

WAYNESBURG, Pa. (AP) – A Marine who admitted punching another man who died after he fell and struck his head has been sentenced to 41/2 to 9 years in prison. Brandon Lee Teasdale, 27, of Rices Landing was convicted by a Greene County jury in September of aggravated assault for punching David Myers, 43, of Jefferson on Dec. 21 outside the Jefferson Hotel. Myers fell and hit his head on the sidewalk and was pronounced dead 90 minutes later at a hospital.

The jury acquitted Teasdale of the more serious homicide charge.

Judge H. Terry Grimes said Friday the root of the incident was alcohol abuse and the mob mentality that was present at the hotel.

During the trial, Teasdale testified that he punched Myers because he thought the man was threatening him when he made a sudden movement. Teasdale attributed his reaction to his Marine training. Teasdale apologized Friday to Myers’ family.

Troy E. Jukes, who was Myers’ cousin and is a Marine gunnery sergeant, said Teasdale should have learned differently in the Marines.

“As much as I am saddened by my cousin’s death, I am outraged that Mr. Teasdale would present himself as a true Marine,” Jukes said. “Our M.P.s (military police officers) are trained to respond to bar brawls, not cause them.”