As 56 year old Brian Tully was escorted from the Mercer County Courthouse this morning he shouted repeatedly “dead man walking.” The Burlington man had just pleaded guilty to a Class X felony of home invasion in the May 6th attack on 83 year old Fred Rooth at his rural Joy farmhouse. Tully was sentenced to 30 years in prison and must serve 85-percent of the sentence—making him 81 when he is released. Assistant Mercer County State’s Attorney Matthew Voigts spoke with WRMJ News Director Jim Taylor following today’s hearing.
During today’s hearing it was revealed that Tully struck Rooth over the head with a metal desk lamp. Tully was arrested in August.