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The first day of testimony wrapped up in the case against Brandon Piekarsky and Derrick Donchak
The day started with some revealing opening statements.
For nine months the case has created high emotions and high interest on both sides and now it''s time to sort it out in court.
Derrick Donchak and Brandon Piekarsky showed up at the Schuylkill County courthouse in Pottsville ready to see their lawyers and prosecutors battle it out.
There is so much at stake for the two teens; a possible third-degree murder conviction for Piekarsky and a possible aggravated assault conviction for Donchak.
In opening statements, the two listened as the assistant district attorney laid out his case. He stated the two defendants were instigators in a fight last summer in Shenandoah that ended with the death of illegal immigrant Luis Ramirez.
Prosecutors told jurors Piekarsky landed the final blow after Ramirez had been knocked to the ground, kicking the vicitm's head like a football while some in the group yelled racial slurs.
Prosecutors added, "This was a group assault that ended the way any group assault ends. The group wins."
The defense told jurors it was Luis Ramirez who was the instigator; that he had the chance to get out of the fight mumerous times but kept pushing the teens to fight more, that they were defending themselves. "It's understandable why they did what they did. Don't blame them," the defense said.
Prosecutors are calling witnesses to refute that. Ramirez's 15-year-old girlfriend said she was there the night of the fight. She said the teens were the ones who ran after Ramirez and they kept the fight going.
Ben Lawson agreed. He is good friends with the defendents but said they could have left the fight several times. Lawson was there and said he watched Piekarsky deliver the final kick.
The defense will also make the case that the final blow came from Colin Walsh, a suspect in the case who made a deal to testify for prosecutors in exchange for lesser, federal civil rights charges.
This has become a case that drew national attention. Too much attention, according to a couple who think Donchak and Piekarsky won't get a fair trial in Schuylkill County.
"I have seen the media such as CNN blackball these boys. They don't know the true facts and it'll come out in trial and I hope to God these young men are found innocent," said Ed Medashefski of Hazleton.
"The man who died was the aggressor and the boys defending themselves from him," said Wendy Medashefski of Freeland. "We're here to support the boys and their families."
Some expected big demonstrations outside the courthouse but the Medashefskis were the only ones who showed. Neighbors of the courthouse expected more but still think the trial was influenced.
"I honestly don't think these kids are going to get a fair trial here and honestly it's not right for them," said Laurie Carl.
"I believe they've been slandered in the media and they have a right to a fair trial," Wendy Medashefski aadded.
National media attention was expected for the trial. CNN arrived Monday morning and interviewed a number of people close to the case. The network is tying the trial to a special that is coming up called "Latinos in America."
Security is extremely tight at the Schuylkill County courthouse. There are several metal detectors everyone must go through after entering the courthouse.
The trial could last up to two weeks.
The day started with some revealing opening statements.
 |
Derrick Donchak and Brandon Piekarsky showed up at the Schuylkill County courthouse in Pottsville ready to see their lawyers and prosecutors battle it out.
There is so much at stake for the two teens; a possible third-degree murder conviction for Piekarsky and a possible aggravated assault conviction for Donchak.
In opening statements, the two listened as the assistant district attorney laid out his case. He stated the two defendants were instigators in a fight last summer in Shenandoah that ended with the death of illegal immigrant Luis Ramirez.
Prosecutors told jurors Piekarsky landed the final blow after Ramirez had been knocked to the ground, kicking the vicitm's head like a football while some in the group yelled racial slurs.
Prosecutors added, "This was a group assault that ended the way any group assault ends. The group wins."
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Prosecutors are calling witnesses to refute that. Ramirez's 15-year-old girlfriend said she was there the night of the fight. She said the teens were the ones who ran after Ramirez and they kept the fight going.
Ben Lawson agreed. He is good friends with the defendents but said they could have left the fight several times. Lawson was there and said he watched Piekarsky deliver the final kick.
The defense will also make the case that the final blow came from Colin Walsh, a suspect in the case who made a deal to testify for prosecutors in exchange for lesser, federal civil rights charges.
|
"I have seen the media such as CNN blackball these boys. They don't know the true facts and it'll come out in trial and I hope to God these young men are found innocent," said Ed Medashefski of Hazleton.
"The man who died was the aggressor and the boys defending themselves from him," said Wendy Medashefski of Freeland. "We're here to support the boys and their families."
Some expected big demonstrations outside the courthouse but the Medashefskis were the only ones who showed. Neighbors of the courthouse expected more but still think the trial was influenced.
"I honestly don't think these kids are going to get a fair trial here and honestly it's not right for them," said Laurie Carl.
"I believe they've been slandered in the media and they have a right to a fair trial," Wendy Medashefski aadded.
National media attention was expected for the trial. CNN arrived Monday morning and interviewed a number of people close to the case. The network is tying the trial to a special that is coming up called "Latinos in America."
Security is extremely tight at the Schuylkill County courthouse. There are several metal detectors everyone must go through after entering the courthouse.
The trial could last up to two weeks.
