Lengthy Sentence For Man Convicted Of 2013 Gunpoint Robbery Of Montco Bar
NORRISTOWN, Pa. (CBS) - It's effectively a life sentence for the man convicted of robbing the Whitpain Tavern in Blue Bell at gunpoint, and then forcing Montgomery County Community College to shut down during his manhunt two years ago.
Montgomery County Judge Gary Silow told 43-year-old Tyrice Griffin "you're a bad dude" as he sentenced him to 60-120 years in state prison for his role in three gunpoint robberies -- one of them the Whitpain Tavern in November, 2013.
Griffin was convicted of Third Degree Murder and a previous robbery in the 90s. And prosecutor Stew Ryan asked the judge for a lengthy sentence to prevent him, as Ryan put it, from manufacturing more victims:
"I would consider it the functional equivalent of a life sentence. He's 43 years old so even at his minimum he would be 103 years-old, so it's unlikely he'll ever be released from prison."
Griffin's attorney argued unsuccessfully, saying Griffin unraveled after seeing his mother murdered when he was a young child, and then having a potential pro boxing career derailed by an ATV accident.
His accomplice in the robberies, Jose Garcia, was previously sentenced to 20-40 years in prison.