Romani charged with involuntary manslaughter in fatal bar fight

By Jim Muir

Michael Romani is now facing a charge of involuntary manslaughter in connection with a Sesser bar fight on Dec. 27 that left 56-year-old John Franklin dead.

The additional charge against Romani – a Class 3 felony that carries a maximum sentence of 2-5 years in prison – was filed by Franklin County State’s Attorney Evan Owens on Dec. 31. Romani is also charged with aggravated battery, also a Class 3 felony.

Franklin died of trauma injuries to the head following an atercation with the 45-year-old Romani, also of Sesser. The fight took place at the Bank Lounge, located on Sesser’s business district. The bar has not reopened since the fatal fight.

Franklin was pronounced dead at Franklin Hospital after the fight and Romani turned himself into Franklin County authorities a short time later.

Romani remains in the Franklin County Jail in lieu of $200,000 bond.

Romani is scheduled for a first advisement hearing Wednesday that will be held from the jail via a satellite connection with the Franklin County Courthouse.