*NEWS RELEASE*
MAN SENTENCED TO 50 YEARS TO LIFE FOR MURDERING ROOMMATE

INDIO, CA - Today, Judge James S. Hawkins has sentenced Michael Joseph Grodio, 58, to 50-years to life in state prison for the killing of his roommate David Tarlow. On June 23 of this year, a Riverside County jury convicted Grodio of first-degree murder with an enhancement for the use of a firearm during the commission of the murder.

"I applaud Judge Hawkins for sending a very dangerous killer to prison to help ensure the safety of our community," said Deputy District Attorney Christopher Ross, who prosecuted the case. "Although this sentence can never undo the pain, grief and emotional torment inflicted upon the victim's family, friends and loved ones, it is my hope that the judge's commitment to serving justice in this case can begin the healing process."

Grodio had been renting a room in David Tarlow's apartment for four months when Tarlow asked Grodio to move out because Grodio would not clean up after himself. On Sept. 9, 2007, Grodio became upset by the victim's request and retrieved a .45- caliber handgun from his room. When Grodio pointed the gun at the victim, Tarlow turned his back and began to move away from Grodio. As Tarlow moved away he was shot in the back and died later that same day.

Grodio admitted to investigators that he shot the victim because he was "annoyed" with him. Grodio said of the victim: "He was pushing my buttons."

"The type of person who decides to kill someone over a seemingly insignificant disagreement is someone who presents an ongoing threat to the safety and security of our community," said Assistant District Attorney Sara Danville. "Our prosecutors work tirelessly to make sure that they are held accountable and removed from our communities."

Grodio will be turned over to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) to begin serving his sentence.