This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
"Sexiest Bachelor in America" Contestant Acquitted of Charges He Murdered His Porn Star Girlfriend
Brian Lee Randone (LA County Sheriff's Dept)
Brian Lee Randone, a onetime contestant on the TV reality show "The Sexiest Bacherlor in America" and a self-proclaimed preacher, was acquitted today of charges he tortured and murdered his girlfriend, 31-year-old Felicia Lee.Lee, a Singapore-born model and actress who worked under the name Felicia Tang, was found dead inside the couple's Monrovia home in September 2009. Her body was discovered beaten and suffocated inside the apartment.
Randone called 911 to report his girlfriend wasn't breathing, however forensic evidence suggested that was not the case. The judge, however, would not release photos from Lee's autopsy, saying they were too gruesome.
Witnesses report the couple had been involved in a domestic dispute that evening.
Randone's attorney argued Lee died of an overdose of the drug GHB.
Deputy District Attorney Phil Wojdak said he was "very disappointed'' with the verdict, according to City News Service.
Randone appeared on the 2000 reality television pageant "The Sexiest Bachelor in America" with the intention of not being sexy, but rather representing good Christian values on behalf of his home state of Nebraska.
Randone was ordered released immediately.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
