A Christiana man will spend the rest of his life in prison for killing 26-year-old Julius Dale last year.
Lancaster County Judge Donald Totaro called Lucas Newnam a “cold-blooded murderer” while ordering the life term.
A local jury convicted Newnam, 32, on Friday of first-degree murder for the May 27, 2016, shooting at a home on Creek Road.
“You thought you could outsmart the jury,” Judge Totaro told Newnam. “You were wrong.”
Assistant District Attorney Travis S. Anderson called the life term “a just sentence,” then called five of Dale’s relatives to discuss how the murder impacted their lives.
Natalie Dale, Julius’ mother, said the murder “shattered my family” and left Julius’ young son without a father.
Newman, who maintained in court that he shot Dale in self-defense, did not look at any of Dale’s relatives until Dale’s father asked Newnam why he did it.
“Sorry,” Newnam said as he looked at Julius Dale II.
Judge Totaro scolded Newnam for his “absolute” lack of remorse and his arrogance when he testified at trial.
“You bragged to the jury about how much better it was to deal drugs than work,” Judge Totaro said. “You lied to the police. You lied to the jury.”
The judge pointed to several witnesses at the Creek Road home that day who testified that Dale did not threaten Newnam in any way, and that it was Newnam who was angry and acting aggressive.
“The evidence was overwhelming,” Judge Totaro said, “in showing this was a premeditated, intentional killing… This was first-degree murder.”
Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Snyder, who filed charges, and Trooper Chad Roberts attended the hearing.
MEDIA CONTACT: Brett A. Hambright, 717-295-2041; bhambright@co.lancaster.pa.us; Twitter: @BrettHambright