Man gets 20 years in prison for role in Cape Girardeau beating

Despite an emotional plea from his mother, the man who pleaded guilty to helping beat a Cape Girardeau man almost to death was sentenced to 20 years in prison Monday.

Brandon E. Geiger, 20, pleaded guilty to first-degree assault last month, and after viewing a sentence assessment report, Cape Girardeau Circuit Court Judge Benjamin Lewis sentenced him to 20 years in prison.

According to a probable-cause statement, Geiger, his brother Clarence Geiger and Brandon Moss entered the victim's home in the 1800 block of Bloomfield Street on March 20 to assault the man for reportedly stealing $1,000 from Moss. Once inside, the three struggled with the victim. Brandon Geiger admitted to kicking and hitting the victim, according to the statement.

The victim tried to escape by diving through a window, but Brandon Geiger grabbed his feet. When Moss and Clarence Geiger were in control of the victim outside the house, they dragged him back inside and continued to assault him, according to police reports. After Brandon Geiger struck the victim, he moved to the front door to stand as a lookout while Moss and Clarence Geiger continued to assault the victim. The beating lasted 30 minutes, Brandon Geiger said, according to the probable-cause statement.

Before leaving the residence, Brandon Geiger entered the room where the assault occurred and saw the victim on the floor making "snoring or gurgling" noises, according to the statement.

Moss, 33, pleaded guilty to the assault in August and was sentenced to 20 years in prison in September.

Before Brandon Geiger was sentenced, his mother, Frances Graham, fought back tears as she told Lewis that her son's role in the beating was minimal and that he was following directions from his older brother, Clarence Geiger, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison for beating the man in July.

"If Clarence would do it, Brandon would do it too," Graham told Lewis.

In addition to his mother's testimony, Brandon Geiger read a prepared statement that showed his regret for the crime.

"If I could change what happened, I surely would," he said, adding that he did not have control over his actions because he was the youngest one involved.

Lewis did not buy the excuse, citing Brandon Geiger's record of assault convictions. Brandon Geiger has three assault convictions spanning the past three years and was unable to complete high school because his aggressive behavior, Lewis said.

Lewis also noted that, although Brandon Geiger didn't beat the man as much as his brother and Moss, he still kicked and hit him.

"It's truly terrible to be faced with time in prison," Lewis said. "But not as terrible as what the victim has to go through. He barely has a life anymore."

When Lewis delivered the 20-year sentence, members of the Geiger family rushed out of the courtroom in tears.

"Oh, have mercy," one woman said before exiting the courtroom.

psullivan@semissourian.com

388-3635

Pertinent address:

101 Court St. Jackson, MO

1800 Bloomfield St., Cape Girardeau, MO