York County, PA – A Pennsylvania landlord who admitted to neighbors that he “beat the s— out of” his tenant during a late-night drunken argument has been sentenced to 8 to 16 years in prison for third-degree murder, according to court officials. The fatal assault occurred in April 2023 and left 42-year-old Michael Byers dead outside the home he rented on the property.
The Incident: Drunken Argument at a Firepit Turns Deadly
According to investigators, 37-year-old Zachary Neiman and his tenant, Michael Byers, spent the night of April 29, 2023, drinking together at a firepit on Neiman’s property. Byers lived in a detached apartment on the same land.
Neighbors reported hearing the two men engaged in a heated verbal altercation shortly before 10 p.m. Moments later, the neighbors spoke directly with Neiman, who allegedly stated:
“I just beat the s— out of Mike.”
Police say neighbors then heard Neiman continue to assault Byers, with the violence taking place near the firepit.
Investigation and Evidence: Tenant Found Dead Outside Home
The next morning, at around 6 a.m., Neiman called 911 to report that he had found Byers unresponsive outside the home. First responders arrived to find the victim covered in mud, wearing only shorts, and cold to the touch, indicating he had already been dead for several hours.
Neiman was performing chest compressions when officers arrived, but emergency personnel determined that Byers had died long before the 911 call.
Neiman told police that he had no memory of the attack, claiming he had been extremely intoxicated and had gone to bed around 11:30 p.m.
An autopsy later concluded that Byers died from blunt-force injuries, with the death complicated by ethanol intoxication.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
Neiman was arrested in November 2023 and charged with third-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.
On October 27, he entered a no-contest plea to third-degree murder. As part of the plea agreement, prosecutors dropped the involuntary manslaughter charge.
The sentencing judge ordered Neiman to serve 8 to 16 years in state prison, a term reflecting the severity of the assault and the defendant’s admissions the night of the killing.
Prosecutors emphasized that Neiman’s own statements to neighbors — combined with physical evidence and the autopsy — supported the murder conviction.
Statements and Community Reaction
The case has left local residents stunned, particularly those who witnessed Neiman casually admitting his actions shortly after the assault. Neighbors told investigators they were horrified to hear Neiman brag about the beating, only to later discover that Byers had died from his injuries.
Police reports describe Neiman as visibly intoxicated during interviews, repeatedly telling officers he couldn’t remember what happened.
Authorities said the combination of alcohol, aggression, and the isolated setting played tragic roles in the deadly encounter.
Background Context: Alcohol-Fueled Violent Crimes
The case highlights a growing concern among Pennsylvania law enforcement about alcohol-related violent incidents, particularly those involving acquaintances or household members.
National crime data indicates a high percentage of adult-on-adult assaults involve alcohol consumption, often turning routine arguments into fatal encounters.
Experts say the case underscores the dangers of excessive drinking combined with unresolved personal conflict — a pattern reflected in similar homicide investigations across the country.
Ongoing Developments and Final Steps
Neiman is expected to serve his sentence with eligibility for parole after eight years, depending on behavior and state parole board decisions.
The court also ordered ongoing supervision following release, citing concerns about Neiman’s alcohol misuse and its role in the killing.
Meanwhile, Byers’ family has not publicly commented but is reportedly considering civil action regarding the circumstances of his death.
Conclusion
The sentencing of Zachary Neiman brings closure to a violent and preventable tragedy that unfolded in a matter of hours during a drunken dispute. As the community reflects on the loss of Michael Byers, officials hope the case serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of unchecked aggression and alcohol abuse.
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