Kenneth R. Michaels, a 69-year-old Pennsylvania telecommunications CEO, was found guilty of first-degree murder on Friday for the August 2023 shooting death of his brother-in-law, John Roskowski, inside the lobby of Cable Services Co.
The Lycoming County jury deliberated for less than an hour in Williamsport before rejecting the defense’s self-defense claims, pennlive.com reported. The verdict mandates an automatic life sentence for the 20-year corporate executive.
- Kenneth R. Michaels faces an automatic life sentence with sentencing scheduled for February 12 after Judge Eric R. Linhardt rejected a defense request for immediate action.
- The shooting occurred inside Cable Services Co., a family-owned telecommunications business where Michaels served as chief executive officer.
- Defense attorneys announced plans to appeal the verdict following the upcoming sentencing hearing.
Judge Eric R. Linhardt rejected a defense request for immediate sentencing but scheduled it for Feb. 12 to give the families an opportunity to be heard, pennlive.com reported. First-degree murder carries an automatic life sentence.
E.J. Rymsza, one of Michaels attorneys, called the verdict “devastating” and said it will be appealed following sentencing.
“It (verdict) certainly does not end the fight,” Rymsza told pennlive.com. “It’s just the beginning. The verdict is not the same as the truth.”
Michaels admitted from the outset he killed Roskowski in the firm’s lobby on Aug. 17, 2023, but contended it was in self-defense because he feared for his life, pennlive.com reported. The CEO walked down a hallway with a licensed 9mm handgun after Roskowski pushed the front door buzzer for an extended period.
District Attorney Martin L. Wade argued that the killing was premeditated malice rather than a defensive encounter. Wade said that Roskowski was unarmed and never physically contacted Michaels.
“It was murder with malice not a ‘kill or be killed’ situation,” Wade said in his closing argument reported by pennlive.com.
Defense attorney Michael J. Rudinski countered that Roskowski was mentally unstable and taking excessive medications on the day of the incident. Rudinski maintained that Michaels acted to survive against a larger individual with a history of unprovoked hostility.
“He was a man trying to survive,” Rudinski told jurors, according to pennlive.com.
| Key Participant | Role | Legal / Trial Position |
|---|---|---|
| Kenneth R. Michaels | Cable Services Co. CEO | Convicted of first-degree murder; claimed self-defense |
| John Roskowski | Victim and former part-owner | Shot and killed in corporate lobby on Aug. 17, 2023 |
| Martin L. Wade | District Attorney | Prosecuted the case, arguing malice and rejecting self-defense |
| E.J. Rymsza | Defense Attorney | Stated the verdict will be appealed following sentencing |
The trial exposed deep fractures within the Michaels and Roskowski families, who hold interlocking executive positions at the telecommunications firm. Roskowski had completed a $3 million buyout of his shares in 2023 and received annual payments to stay away from the business.
Sentencing is set for Feb. 12 before Judge Linhardt, where family members will have the opportunity to speak. Defense counsel confirmed that legal challenges will proceed in higher courts.
