Cannibal Corpse Launch Crowdfunding Campaign for Guitarist Pat O’Brien
Cannibal Corpse still haven’t released any official statement regarding the recent, exceedingly bizarre arrest of their guitarist, Pat O’Brien, on charges of burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. Still, it’s safe to assume the band is throwing their support behind him: Deana Mazurkiewicz, wife of drummer Paul Mazurkiewicz, is overseeing a new crowdfunding campaign to raise funds on O’Brien’s behalf. In an accompany statement, Ms. Mazurkiewicz urges fans “not jump to conclusions [regarding the circumstances of his arrest] until the full details of what occurred come out.”
Interestingly, the money being raised is earmarked for helping O’Brien get back on his feet following the destruction of his home, and no mention is made of it covering any legal fees. I say “interestingly” because while we still don’t know what started the fire that burned down O’Brien’s house, we do know firefighters struggled to put it out because of “exploding ammunition inside” the abode, including two “military-style flamethrowers.” So these aren’t exactly the normal circumstances under which one usually solicits donations.
O’Brien appeared before a Hillsborough County judge Tuesday morning wearing an anti-suicide vest and with his ankles and wrists shackled together. The judge set O’Brien’s bail at $50,000, conditional upon his passing a drug a test. In the state of Florida, both of the crimes O’Brien is accused of committing are considered first degree felonies. In the case of the aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer charge, the penalty could be a prison term up to thirty years; the charge of burglary of an occupied dwelling with assault is even more serious, as it carries a penalty of a fine up to $10,000 and a potential lifetime prison sentence.
On Monday, Cannibal Corpse was announced as one of the support acts for the next North American leg of Slayer’s farewell tour. It’s still not clear how, if at all, O’Brien’s arrest will effect those plans.
You can read the entire statement from Deana Mazurkiewicz below, and donate to Pat here.
“As most of you are aware on December 10, 2018, Pat O’Brien’s house burned down. He lost everything he owns.
“Pat is a standup guy, true to his friends, family and his band. Also Pat does not have insurance, and lost everything that he owns. These funds will help him get back on his feet with the regular much-needed necessities like clothing, a roof over his head, and other daily life necessities that are needed.
“Understanding that money is tight for everybody, especially around the holidays but every amount does help. If it’s $1, $5 dollars, $20 or more. Every penny from this campaign will go directly to Pat.
“If you’re a metal fan and you’ve had the honor of meeting Pat at a show, or elsewhere when he’s out and about then you know how friendly he is, and approachable. He would never start a campaign for himself, but I know he would be absolutely humbled by the support shown.
“I asked that people not jump to conclusions until the full details of what occurred come out, and that you show Pat nothing but love and support and let him know that you’re there for him. Although the last 48 hours have been shocking to most people, they’ve been devastating to him.
“Please feel free to share your pictures, your words and show your support. The changing of your profile pictures on Facebook has been very inspirational. The metal community is a tight one whether you know somebody personally or not ans your support is so much appreciated.”
