The case went on all week long. The final day on Friday (4/22) had the jury watching a three hour video interview with Lee Michael Thomas, age 35, as he described how he had shot Brett Brookover (aka Sammy) in the back with a 12 gauge shotgun in the early morning hours on October 6th.
Thomas tried to pass off the killing as a “home invasion” at 6403 Ontario Center Road in the Town of Ontario. The video was not helpful to the defense,”said Wayne County District Attorney, Rick Healy, who prosecuted the case.
There was no question that the smoking of crack cocaine by all in the house that night, mixed with jealousy over a woman, (reportedly Thomas’ girlfriend- Laura Smith) contributed to the incident. Records indicated that all parties involved at the scene have extensive police records.
Healy, explained that the evidence showed Brookover was shot next to his truck, and there was no evidence the shooting took place anywhere inside, or near the house. “It was a half-ass claim of self defense,” said Healy.
The medical examiner testified Brookover was shot twice in the back, both shots delivering a lethal blow.
Besides killing Brookover, Thomas fired shots at Brookover’s companion that night, Marcus Stock. Stock was not hurt as he fled down the road on foot, and he later gave a completely different story from the self-defense strategy portrayed by Thomas. He testified that words were exchanged as the group consumed more crack cocaine.
Following the investigation, Lee Thomas was charged with Murder in the 2nd Degree in the death of Brookover and Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree for the intent to kill Marcus Stock. He was found guilty on both counts, after a two hour deliberation by the jury on Friday evening and for Criminal Possession of a Weapon.
Sentencing for Thomas will take place July 5th. He faces a minimum of 15 years to life and a maximum of 25 years to life.
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