A jury in Tulsa County has delivered a guilty verdict for a man charged with the murder of his landlord. 

Cody O’Bryan, 23, has been convicted of second-degree murder for the shooting death of Paul Stephen Bernius, the owner of the house in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma where O’Bryan was renting a room.

The tragic incident occurred on the evening of September 19, 2021, when an argument erupted between Bernius and O’Bryan outside the residence. Witnesses testified that the dispute began over a thermostat. During the fight, O’Bryan retrieved a firearm and fatally shot his landlord several times.

Tulsa County Assistant District Attorney Katie Koljack expressed hope that the verdict would provide some closure for Bernius’ family, acknowledging that no outcome can bring him back.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Bernius and O’Bryan had a history of issues while living together. At the time of the murder, Bernius was in the process of evicting O’Bryan. Court records indicated that Bernius had filed for a protective order against O’Bryan two days prior, but it was denied because it failed to meet the statutory requirements. Protective orders at that time were only applicable to intimate partners and family members residing together.

The media coverage highlighting this legal loophole caught the attention of State Representative Ross Ford, who represents Broken Arrow. Disturbed by the circumstances, Ford authored House Bill 4374, known as the “Stephen Bernius Memorial Act,” which expanded the eligibility criteria for obtaining an order of protection.

In May 2022, Governor Stitt signed the bill into law. Bernius’ mother, Maureen Bucchere, expressed her desire for this legislative change to serve as her son’s legacy, providing closure and assisting in the healing process for their family.

The jury recommended a sentence of 33 years for O’Bryan, and his formal sentencing will take place on June 12.