A big criminal case in Schuylkill County means a lot of preparation and taking a lot of precautions. The is that of the beating death case of an illegal immigrant in Shenandoah which has attracted national attention!
Luis Ramirez was beaten last year near his Shenandoah home. He died several days later in a hospital.
Brandon Piekarsky, Colin Walsh and Michael Donchak are charged in connection with the death. Sources said all charges will be dropped against Walsh in return for his testimony against his two friends. They are also accused with yelling racial slurs during the beating.
The case is emotionally charged. Last year during a hearing Latino groups gathered at the courthouse. When a jury is picked next week, demonstrators will be kept several blocks away out of earshot of potential jurors.
This time around there will be a strong police presence at the courthouse to keep everyone safe.
"As far as the defendants our own deputies will be escorting them in and out of the courthouse on a daily basis with their attorneys," explained Sheriff Joseph Groody.
Everyone entering the courthouse will go through two metal detectors.
"Check everybody thoroughly and take our time,one at a time. We won't rush," said security officer Elizabeth Antalosky.
"One of the biggest things is people would have a pocket knife and that sort of thing, sharp weapons, sizzors, anything like that," said security officer Bob Bozylinkski.
One of the concerns is fire safety. That's why the Pottsville fire chief will be in the courtroom to determine how many people the room can safely hold.
"We're definately going with the fire regulations. Once there is so many in the courtroom that will be it. No one will be allowed to enter the courtroom," added Sheriff Groody.
Court officials hope to seat the jury by the end of next week. Testimony for the two teens should start April 27.
Luis Ramirez was beaten last year near his Shenandoah home. He died several days later in a hospital.
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The case is emotionally charged. Last year during a hearing Latino groups gathered at the courthouse. When a jury is picked next week, demonstrators will be kept several blocks away out of earshot of potential jurors.
This time around there will be a strong police presence at the courthouse to keep everyone safe.
"As far as the defendants our own deputies will be escorting them in and out of the courthouse on a daily basis with their attorneys," explained Sheriff Joseph Groody.
Everyone entering the courthouse will go through two metal detectors.
|
"One of the biggest things is people would have a pocket knife and that sort of thing, sharp weapons, sizzors, anything like that," said security officer Bob Bozylinkski.
One of the concerns is fire safety. That's why the Pottsville fire chief will be in the courtroom to determine how many people the room can safely hold.
"We're definately going with the fire regulations. Once there is so many in the courtroom that will be it. No one will be allowed to enter the courtroom," added Sheriff Groody.
Court officials hope to seat the jury by the end of next week. Testimony for the two teens should start April 27.
