“After a three month investigation, the prosecutor in the Czech Republic has decided to move forward with an indictment of Randy Blythe on the charge of manslaughter with intent to cause bodily harm. Obviously, we intend to fight vigorously against these charges as we feel that in no way did Randy intend to cause bodily harm on the young fan who subsequently died from injuries sustained at the show. As he has stated previously, Randy intends to go to Prague to defend himself at trial.

While it is a tragedy that a Lamb of God fan died following a performance by the group, in no way do I feel that Randy did anything improper that led to the young man’s injuries and subsequent death. The price of a ticket to a show does not entitle audience members access to a band’s stage. In the years since the murder on stage of Dimebag Darrell Abbot, performers of all genres have had to become more guarded while performing in response to the dangers presented by fans trying to become part of the performance. We believe that Randy responded professionally to the numerous amount of fans rushing the stage that day, a number of them captured on videos that have been posted on the internet. We have testimony from the venue operator that acknowledges lax security and an improper barricade being used that evening. Numerous testimonies from fans also were contradictory as to the actions of the multiple fans that tried to access the stage.

At this point, all that the band, myself, and our lawyers can do is to present a defense and try to convince the panel of judges who will hear the case that Randy is innocent of all charges and that his name and reputation need to be cleared and that he be permitted to carry on with his life and career always mindful that a fan passed away after a Lamb of God performance.”

Blythe was arrested at the Prague Ruzyně Airport on June 27th, when the band landed to play a show that night. He was charged with allegedly causing “bodily harm of the fourth degree, resulting in the death of a fan” stemming from a show over two years earlier in Prague. Blythe was taken and held in Pankrac Prison for over five weeks. Blythe has adamantly denied the charges, but has always stated on the record numerous times that he “would return to face the Czech justice system as it’s the right thing to do.” If found guilty, Randy could face up to 10 years in prison.

Mounting legal costs led the band and many musician friends to form The Randy Legal Fund, which will help with Blythe’s astronomically expensive international expense against the charges. 100% of donations will go to help Randy and the Lamb of God family prepare the best defense possible. All are encouraged to give what you can.