DA: Guilty Verdicts of Sean Bryant and Michael McCauley in Murder of Stanley Norman
Originally published as a Nevada County District Attorney’s Office Facebook post:
“On May 12, 2022 a Nevada County Jury found Sean Bryant guilty of murder in the first degree of Stanley Norman. The jury also found ‘true’ the special circumstance that Sean Bryant committed the murder with torture. The jury found Michael McCauley guilty of involuntary manslaughter for his role in the death of Stanley Norman.
This tragedy occurred on April 15, 2018. The Nevada County Sheriff’s Office received a missing person’s report regarding Stanley Norman on April 18, 2018. Lead by Investigating Officer Sgt. Andrew Liller, the Sheriff’s department began an intensive search for Mr. Norman with the aid of Mr. Norman’s family and friends.
Based on information received and items of evidence collected, the search turned into a criminal investigation. Within a few weeks, Sean Bryant and Michael McCauley were arrested in connection with the death of Stanley Norman. The jury trial was set and continued multiple times in large part due to the logistical hurdles in place due to Covid-19 protocols.
At trial, the evidence showed that on April 15, 2018 Sean Bryant, who had a history of violence, tortured Stanley Norman over the course of several hours. Stanley Norman died as a result. Michael McCauley arrived shortly before Mr. Norman died and participated in the assault at the direction of Sean Bryant. Mr. Norman’s body was then burned, and further items of evidence were concealed.
“We hope these verdicts bring some closure to the family and friends of Stanley Norman and provide them with some sense that justice has been served,” said Nevada County District Attorney Jesse Wilson. “These verdicts do not bring Stanley Norman back nor do they come even close to addressing the loss experienced by those who cared for him. But it does send the message that those who commit such horrendous acts in Nevada County will not go unpunished.”
The case was prosecuted by District Attorney Jesse Wilson and Deputy District Attorney Cambria Lisonbee. The lead Investigator on the case was Sgt. Andrew Liller. We thank the jury for their service and tireless efforts to deliberate and see this case to its conclusion.
Sean Bryant faces a possible sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. Michael McCauley faces a maximum of four years state prison.”
— Jesse Wilson, Nevada County District Attorney’s Office
