Lancaster Man Convicted of Shooting Wife on Christmas

A Lancaster man was convicted today of attempted voluntary manslaughter and mayhem for shooting his wife during an argument on Christmas Day 2014.

Jurors deliberated for about a day before finding 65-year-old Thomas Richard Silas guilty of the felony charges. The panel also found true allegations of gun use and great bodily injury under circumstances involving domestic violence.

Silas faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Sentencing is set for May 11.

Solis shot his wife three times following an argument about money during a family get-together in the early morning hours Christmas Day 2014, according to Deputy District Attorney Paul Moll.

Silas got a gun and confronted his wife, telling her to shoot him with it, according to authorities. When she refused, he shot her in the stomach.

Sheriff's deputies dispatched at 12:30 a.m. to a home in the 2700 block of East Avenue J-4 found Silas in the front yard holding a handgun. Deputies said he dropped the gun when ordered and was detained without further incident.

The couple's adult daughter and other family members were at the home for a holiday party.