John E. Mason called them "animals" for helping to murder his son and terrorizing the New Kensington area.
The grieving father spoke in Westmoreland County court on Friday before Julius Blair, 24, and his cousin, Andre Jolly, 25, were sent to state prison for their roles in the July 12, 2004, slaying of 27-year-old John E. "J.B." Mason.
Judge Rita D. Hathaway sentenced Blair to 10 to 20 years and Jolly to 16 1/2 to 33 years. The judge said she had to consider Jolly's lengthy criminal history while keeping in line with state sentencing guidelines, although she said she respected that victim and police testimony indicated Jolly was the only person involved in Mason's death showing remorse.
Blair and Jolly were part of a group of four that police say kidnapped Mason's ex-girlfriend, Tiffany Lewis, and used her to lure him out of his Upper Burrell home. Police say Mason was targeted for a robbery. Also involved were Julius Blair's sister, Amanda Blair, 25, who is serving a 25- to 50-year sentence for third-degree murder and several unrelated cases; and Kenneth L. Jones Jr., 32, who police believed to be the triggerman.
Mason's father said he and his son worked hard building lives for themselves. J.B. Mason was an accountant who also managed Fox's Hotel in Upper Burrell.
"These animals come out and just want to destroy people," his father said. Both he and Mason's sister, Rae, said they hope the murder will at least keep four criminals in jail, unable to hurt anyone else.
"J.B. was honest and kind and loving. He touched everybody," Rae Mason said.
Police say Mason was thrown over a railing 10 feet to the ground before Jones shot him in the back with an assault rifle.
Jones was convicted of second- and third-degree murder in April and faces a mandatory life sentence. Jolly and the Blairs each agreed to cooperate with prosecutors to build the case against Jones. At trial, Jones said the other three were setting him up and that he couldn't have killed Mason because he was dealing drugs in New Kensington when it happened.
Blair muttered curse words, claiming he deserved the right to his own trial, as Hathaway sentenced him.
"Yeah, I feel remorseful, but I didn't do nothing," Blair said.
Police say Blair drove the group to Mason's house and stayed in the car while the other three ambushed Mason with guns. Yesterday, he was trying to withdraw his guilty plea, saying that he believed his lawyer, First Assistant Public Defender Greg Cecchetti, was conspiring against him with prosecutors. Saying it was obvious his client didn't trust him, Cecchetti tried to withdraw as Blair's lawyer.
Hathaway denied both requests, telling Blair that Cecchetti is an excellent trial lawyer and she trusted his judgment that a third-degree murder plea was in Blair's best interest. Because he was admitting taking part in a robbery where a man was killed, Blair would stand a strong chance to be convicted of second-degree murder at trial, which would mandate a life sentence, Hathaway said.
"I'd rather take my chances," Blair said.
Jolly's voice shook as he apologized to the Mason family.
"I'm sorry. I know nothing I can do will bring him back," he said. "Things happen, but I'm going to pay for it, and I respect that."
