PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A former bouncer convicted of killing a bar patron outside a club in the Gayborhood four years ago will spend up to five years behind bars.
Kenneth Frye was acquitted of third-degree murder back in June, but he was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the punching death of 41-year-old Eric Pope outside of the former Tabu lounge and sports bar at 12th and Manning streets, where Frye worked as a bouncer.
Prosecutors said Frye punched Pope once outside of the Center City club in April 2022 after Pope was escorted out for being intoxicated.
Pope fell backward and hit his head. He was hospitalized at Jefferson University Hospital and died days later from blunt force trauma.
Prosecutors on Friday brought in members of Pope’s family to witness Common Pleas Judge Roxanne Covington sentence Frye to 2 ½ to five years behind bars.
Frye will receive credit for time served. He must take anger management and LGBT counseling classes.
Once released, Frye is barred from working as a bouncer for the duration of his parole.
