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CLEARFIELD -- A Hawk Run man convicted of first-degree murder for the death of a Philipsburg man was sentenced to life in prison without parole Tuesday in Clearfield County Court.
Dustin Thomas, 28, was charged with the murder of Brett Bamat after an incident on Oct. 30, 2017. He was found guilty by a jury in August.
Thomas shot Bamat as they were arguing and shoving each other outside
a Morris Township residence, according to previous reports.
Prior to Thomas's sentencing Valerie Bamat, sister-in-law of the victim, addressed the court saying "I can't believe you did this to our family."
She referred to Thomas as a "cold-hearted killer" and said the events of that evening "will haunt me the rest of my life."
She urged him to take responsibility and "be a man about what you did that night."
Thomas then apologized to the family for what he called a "horrible accident."
Testimony at the trial revealed that Thomas, Brett Bamat and Valerie Bamat were together at the residence that evening. The two men were doing chores around the home.
Thomas was angered after a phone call from Tim Bamat to his wife, Valerie Bamat, during which Tim said he did not want Thomas to be at their residence.
Distraught by this, Thomas claimed he was more of a brother to Tim Bamat than Brett Bamat.
Valerie testified that the two men were drinking and arguing throughout the evening, with Thomas pulling his gun from a holster he wore twice before the shooting.
She said they were both outside when she briefly stepped inside her home.
In a few moments, she heard the gunshot and looked out to see Brett Bamat lying on the ground.
Thomas testified during the trial that he was under the influence of alcohol and did not remember anything about the shooting.