Man Sentenced In Death Of Bucks Co. Native Shot Protecting Child

One of two brothers charged in connection with the shooting death of a 38-year-old Bucks County native in front of his young daughter in 2017 has been sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison, authorities from the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office confirmed Friday.

Maurice Roberts, 21, had previously pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy in connection with the shooting death of Gerard Grandzol in September 2017.

The shooting occurred during an attempted carjacking along the 1500 block of Melon Street.

Authorities say Maurice Roberts and his younger brother Marvin Roberts, who was 16 at the time, approached Grandzol as he was getting out of his car. They demanded his wallet and then his keys. When he didn't turn them over because his 2-year-old daughter was in the back seat, Marvin Roberts shot him the head, according to authorities.

Marvin Roberts is awaiting trial.

Grandzol was described as a proud father who was active in community organizations and was fondly referred to as the "mayor" by neighbors. He and his wife had welcomed their second daughter just weeks before his death.

According to his obituary, Grandzol grew up in Doylestown and attended Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School. He went on to graduate from Archbishop Wood High School, where he played varsity ice hockey, according to his Linkedin biography. On that site, he describes himself as a "professional legal solutions expert, urbanist, bike-riding, hockey playing, husband and father."

An online fundraiser set up to support Grandzol's wife and two children raised has raised nearly $295,000.

RELATED: Community Mourns Proud Dad Killed Protecting 2-Year-Old Daughter In Philly

Image of Gerard Grandzol via GoFundMe, a Patch partner