Family members emotional in court after sentencing in murder of tattoo artist
A Clermont County man is headed to prison more than a year after he gunned down a local tattoo artist.
Michael Guilfoyle Jr. pleaded guilty last month to aggravated murder and was sentenced on Monday to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 38 years.
"I am deeply sorry for my actions. I take full responsibility for my actions. I know that my apologies will never be enough, and I don't expect your forgiveness. There are no words to convey my regret for what I have done. I am so deeply sorry," Guilfoyle said.
In January 2023, Guilfoyle showed up at the Stay Gold tattoo studio on East Ohio Pike armed with a gun. He and the shop's owner, Brian Wilson, had gotten into a dispute over money. Guilfoyle ended up shooting Wilson multiple times outside the business.
"I sat there with my three brothers at our house, and I got the call from my grandmother Judy. I have never heard what true pain and suffering sounded like until I heard her say, 'I'm so sorry, Hailey. He's gone. I'm so sorry.' I dropped to the floor as tears streamed down my face. I remember asking myself how am I supposed to be the one that tells my brothers that their father's never coming home," said Hailey Sicurella, Wilson's stepdaughter.
Wilson's daughters, wife, sister, and mother all spoke at the sentencing hearing, calling Wilson a loving husband, dedicated father, and Marine.
"For me, losing Brian has meant losing my partner, my rock, my soulmate, my best friend, and the love of my life," said his wife, Jennifer Wilson. "Our youngest son Ryker was three when this happened. He cries and misses his daddy so much. It breaks my heart that he loses out on having his daddy raise him and teaching him how to become a man."
Wilson's mother, Judy Wilson, was overcome with emotion. She asked another family member to read her impact statement.
"The defendant is a parent's worst nightmare. The worst human any child should have or call father. A disgrace to society and to our country and should not be considered a Marine and does not deserve the title of a Veteran," Judy Wilson said.
Guilfoyle also served in the Marine Corps. His family said he had been traumatized by what happened to him as a combat veteran serving in Afghanistan, and PTSD took control.
"Michael is a kind, giving, gentle man that served this country. He's been through hell," said his father, Michael Guilfoyle Sr. "My love for my son is unconditional."
Judge Victor Haddad addressed the statements about Michael Guilfoyle Jr. suffering from PTSD and said if he was struggling, the last thing he should have had was a firearm in his pocket.