In terms of bad news, this is pretty bad news if you're a fan of Escape The Fate. After pleading guilty to battery charges related to a brawl [involving guns] that lead to the death of a boy named Michael Cook, Ronnie Radke has been sentenced. And it isn't pretty.
There were six people involved in the brawl; the only one who has been held accountabe, however, is Ronnie. Two other people involved in the brawl were brothers Michael and Marcel Colquitt. They were charged with murder, but the charges were dropped. Marcel Colquitt committed suicide last September.
As for Ronnie, he pled guilty to one charge of battery with substantial bodily harm for his involvement in the brawl. He has been sentenced to five years' probation -- which includes stipulations that he must be employed full-time, go to drug and alcohol rehab, and stay out of trouble. He also can't transfer his probation to other states, which means he is unlikely to be able to tour with the band. [Part of me thinks this is entirely illogical, since that stipulation makes it hard for him to meet the employment part considering touring is his job.] He also has to pay nearly $100,000 in restitution to the mother of Michael Cook.
Michael Cook's mother, Ceda Freeman, says this is not enough, though and wil be pursuing further actions, most likely a civil suit in the case.
In related news, although this has not been confirmed by the band or Epitaph Records, as of today, Ronnis is reportedly no longer a member of Escape the Fate. Some sites are saying the band is looking for a new singer. I can't help but think if Ronnie really is out of the band, and considering Omar recently quit? It may be better to just start fresh.
This is a really tragic story; I kind of hated writing it all up, to be honest, and feel bad for everyone involved.
