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Melée in Philadelphia Courtroom After Conviction in Headset Robbery-Murder

By Tony Hanson

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Philadelphia man accused of killing another man over a set of headphones was convicted today in a Philadelphia courtroom, after which an outburst by the defendant disrupted the courtroom just as the judge was about to impose sentence.

Arkel Garcia was convicted this afternoon of second-degree murder in the death of Christian Massey, during a robbery, for a pair of "Beats by Dr. Dre" headphones.

As the judge was about to impose sentence after the verdict was announced, Garcia suddenly rose to his feet, knocking over his chair.  As a court officer picked up the chair, Garcia cursed and words were exchanged with the deputy sheriff.  Then, some shoving ensued, whereupon about a dozen officers in the courtroom descended on the defendant, restraining him and whisking him out of the courtroom.

Whenever the court proceedings resume, the judge will sentence Garcia to a mandatory life in prison for the death of Christian Massey.

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