Philadelphia man convicted in 2016 Bristol Township murder – Bucks Round-Up – July 21, 2025
Philadelphia man convicted in 2016 Bristol Township murder
A Philadelphia man has been found guilty in a cold-case shooting that claimed the life of a Bristol Township resident nearly nine years ago. George Clark, 34, was convicted of third-degree murder and related charges in Bucks County Court for the 2016 killing of Herbert Lyals. The incident occurred just before 1 a.m. on July 27 in the 5000 block of Truman Street, in the Terrace neighborhood. Prosecutors say Clark and another man, John Wilson, lured Lyals outside of the resident through a cell phone call after learning he was holding a large amount of cash. Lyals was shot twice and died at the scene. Charges were filed against Clark and Wilson in April 2024 after a lengthy investigation. Clark will be sentenced at a later date. Wilson, 45, also from Philadelphia, is awaiting trial on third degree murder charges and additional offenses.
Online predator sting leads to arrest in Bensalem
A Philadelphia man is in custody after allegedly attempting to meet a 13-year-old girl for sex in Bensalem. The sting was coordinated by the activist group Predator Poachers, who tipped off township police after setting up an online decoy. Eric Rooney, 42, allegedly arranged to meet the supposed teen at 2500 Knights Road last Thursday around 9 p.m. Group members confronted him and called police. Rooney later admitted to detectives that he knew the girl’s age and intended to have sex with her. He now faces six charges, including attempted involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a minor. He remains in Bucks County prison on 10% of 500,000 bail. Bensalem Township Police caution civilian groups of intervening directly, noting trained officers in the Bensalem Township police department are assigned to handle such cases.
Middletown Township supervisors approve drug prevention mobile unit
The Middletown Township supervisors approve the purchase of a $53,000 mobile drug prevention outreach unit, to be funded through the $123,000 the township received in opioid settlement funds. Police Chief Joe Bartorilla said the vehicle will be stocked with Narcan, drug disposal kits, and educational materials on substance misuse. It will also serve as a mobile connection point for immediate access to treatment services. The outreach unit will be present at schools and community events to promote awareness and reduce stigma. Chief Bartorilla expects the new vehicle to be delivered this week and refitted. The vehicle will be ready in late summer or early fall.
Joe LeCompte hosts LeCompte in the Morning on WBCB 1490.
