The vocalist was charged with manslaughter after a fan died at a Lamb of God gig in Prague just over two years ago. The 19 year-old had climbed onto the stage in order to dive into the crowd, but after getting in the way of Blythe, he was pushed off - resulting in fatal injuries.
Blythe was arrested at an airport in the Czech Republic - where he was due to be performing - and held for five weeks, before being allowed to return to the US on bail. After returning to finish the trial, Blythe’s prayers have finally been answered - and he’s been acquitted of the charges.
Just before the trial, Blythe posted an image message to Instagram, reflecting on his legal battle ahead of the verdict.
He wrote: “It's a beautiful morning in Prague, and time for me to go to what is (hopefully) my final day in court here- supposedly judgement will be passed today and I will move on with my life in one direction or the other. Which direction that is, I do not know. I could walk free, or conversely go to prison for up to ten years. Such is my life right now, and I must stay in this moment until its resolution. Whatever happens to me, do not feel sorry for me, for I am at peace and refuse to feel sorry for myself. Life happens. Deal with it.
“Some people cannot understand why I have returned, saying I should not come back here. KNOW THIS, and mark my words well — it would be absolutely intolerable for me to hide from this situation. I am an innocent man, but a family suffers the loss of a son, a fan of my band. That is what this whole thing is truly about, not prison, not money, not politics, not ME — it is about a young man who lost his life at just 19 years of age. He will never come back, and it breaks my heart. I would not be able to sleep at night knowing that I did not behave honorably and try to give his family some answers. That would be disgraceful, and I do not wish to dishonor myself or my family by acting in such a cowardly manner.
“I was raised to face my problems head on. For me, this is BEING A MAN. I categorically refuse to live in a constant state of guilt and fear. I would rather die. My morality and convictions are not dependent upon unforeseeable circumstance, nor malleable when difficulty arises.
"So I walk this morning to court with my head held high, no matter what others opinions of me may be. I have to face myself in the mirror, and tomorrow morning, wherever I may wake up, I will be able to do that without regret. This is THE ONLY path to true freedom for me — peace within myself. This is the manner in which I choose to try my best to live my life, and I hope you all do the same — do your best to do what is right, no matter how difficult it may be. I promise you, this will bring you peace.
"I thank you all for your support, I wish you all a good day, and to quote one of my favorite movies: STRENGTH AND HONOR.”
Though he’s been acquitted, the parents of the teenager have previously demanded 10million Czech Koruna - or $530,000 - and it’s unknown whether he’ll be forced to pay anything at the moment. Stay with Stereoboard to stay up-to-date on the story as more information surfaces.
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