A North Linden man who fatally shot his roommate during a dispute will spend over two decades behind bars.
A Franklin County judge handed 39-year-old Brian Sias a life term in prison with the possibility of parole for the shooting death of his roommate, 29-year-old William Applegate. Sias was found guilty and convicted by a jury of two counts of murder and one count of felonious assault, according to the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office.
On May 16, 2024, officers responded to the 1200 block of Manchester Avenue in North Linden after reports of a dispute at the residence. However, before authorities arrived, the dispatcher informed them that a shooting had taken place.
Upon arrival, officers found the defendant in front of the home with a gun in the pocket of his sweatshirt. Applegate was found inside the home suffering from a gunshot wound. However, despite life-saving measures by first responders, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Sias was arrested and held on a $500,000 bond.
According to prosecutors, the dispute between the two men ensued after Applegate was asked to move out, which led to a physical altercation. A witness at the scene claimed the defendant hit Applegate in the head, then shot the victim while he lay on the ground, reported WBNS.
During the trial, Sias argued he shot his roommate in self-defense.
The jury didn’t believe him.
Sias will be eligible for parole after serving 21 years.
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