Philadelphia Men Sentenced for 2016 Murder of Herbert Lyals

Two men from Philadelphia, George Javon Clark and John Marquis Wilson, have received lengthy prison sentences for their involvement in the 2016 murder of Herbert Lyals, a father of three who was shot outside his cousin’s home on his birthday. The sentencing, which took place in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, marks a significant conclusion to a case that remained unresolved for nearly a decade.

Details of the Sentencing

On Friday, Clark, aged 34, was sentenced to serve between 20 to 40 years in state prison after being convicted of murder following a jury trial. Wilson, aged 45, pleaded guilty to charges including third-degree murder and robbery, resulting in a sentence of 16 to 32 years behind bars. The sentences were delivered by Senior Judge Thomas C. Branca.

During the emotional hearing, family members of Lyals expressed the profound impact of his death on their lives. His mother told the court, “The night that they took my son, they took a part of me with them.” This sentiment underscored the devastating loss experienced by those close to him.

A Planned Robbery Turns Deadly

Prosecutors indicated that Clark and Wilson had targeted Lyals after learning he had money. They lured him outside his cousin’s home on Truman Street under the pretext of a visit, which ultimately led to an attempt to rob him. During the ensuing confrontation, Clark fatally shot Lyals at approximately 12:45 a.m., an act described by prosecutors as a planned robbery that resulted in tragic consequences.

Investigators utilized cell phone records to establish a timeline of events, revealing multiple communications between Lyals and Wilson, as well as exchanges between Wilson and Clark before and after the shooting. This evidence played a crucial role in illustrating the premeditated nature of the crime.

The case saw a revival through an extensive re-investigation led by Bucks County Detective Eric Landamia and Bristol Township Detective Alex Asmann, with support from the Bucks County Investigating Grand Jury. Bucks County District Attorney Gregory R. Bock commended the detectives’ diligence and the family’s unwavering pursuit of justice, stating, “It took nearly a decade, but the message is clear — Bucks County never stops seeking justice for its victims.”

For the family of Lyals, the sentencing represents not only a measure of justice but also a poignant reminder of a life cut tragically short. As they continue to navigate the aftermath of his loss, they find some solace in the resolution of this long-standing case.