3 jailed in kick death

THREE MEN who pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the death of a 22-year-old Lansdale man outside Citizens Bank Park in July 2009 were sentenced yesterday to various prison terms.

Common Pleas Judge Shelley Robins New gave Francis Kirchner, 30, of Fishtown, 9 to 18 years in prison. He delivered the death kick to victim David Sale, according to court testimony.

Charles Bowers, 37, of Northeast Philly, was sentenced to five to 10 years behind bars. And James Groves, 48, of the Fishtown/Kensington area, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years.

Kirchner, who had faced first-degree murder before his plea, has remained in custody. Bowers and Groves were taken into custody yesterday.

Assistant District Attorney Richard Sax said afterward that more than 50 people came to court on behalf of Sale, and that 44 of them - including family and friends - testified about how Sale's death impacted them.

"He was that special a kid," Sax said.

Sax has said that the three attacked Sale during a drunken melee.

- Julie Shaw