A 42-year-old formerly homeless man convicted of a 2019 shooting will continue to serve an 18- to 40-year prison sentence following the denial of his appeal, according to recent court documents.
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Thomas Ronald Zorrer, who was convicted in December 2021, challenged the jury instructions, evidence admitted at trial, delays in his trial proceedings, and the sufficiency of evidence leading to his conviction. He also contended that the district attorney’s office failed to disclose evidence and argued that his sentence was “manifestly excessive.”
Pennsylvania Superior Court judges Victor P. Stabile, Alice B. Dubow, and Megan Sullivan upheld the original sentence issued by Bucks County Court of Common Pleas Judge Brian McGuffin and affirmed that the judicial process was proper, according to a recent court opinion.
The conviction stemmed from an incident in February 2019 at the Bel-Aire mobile home community in the Morrisville section of Falls Township.
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During an argument with his girlfriend, Zorrer fired a handgun, striking a male who intervened in the ear. Zorrer also assaulted the man.
Authorities later apprehended Zorrer and his girlfriend in Penndel Borough after they fled from the scene.
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The weapon, identified as a pink and purple 9mm handgun, was recovered by police.
In court, Deputy District Attorney Marc Furber presented audio from prison phone calls made by Zorrer.
The inmate was recorded threatening the shooting victim, his ex-girlfriend, and the prosecutors and law enforcement officers involved in his case, according to court papers.
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Zorrer, who has a history of criminal convictions in Bucks, Montgomery, and Philadelphia counties, including harassment, burglary, and assault, was prohibited from possessing a firearm at the time of the shooting.
In 2022, authorities said the shooting victim suffered ongoing hearing issues since the incident.
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As part of his sentencing, Zorrer was also ordered to five years of probation and is prohibited from any contact with the victim and his ex-girlfriend.
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