Darnell Howard Trial: Shop owner testifies
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By EVAN WHITE
Story Created:
Feb 26, 2008 at 6:37 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Feb 26, 2008 at 6:37 PM EDT
UTICA - During the first week in September a fight broke out between police and several young men at the corner of James Street and Dudley Ave in Utica.
Jurors listened to testimony from eyewitnesses Tuesday, and judging by the looks on their faces, it was a long day for jurors who heard everything from medical evidence related to Utica Police Officer Dzenan Sabanovic, to testimony from officers and witnesses near the scene.
According to the owner of the James Street Market, on September 5, 2007 Hector McClain tried unsuccessfully to return a cigar at the store.
According to the shop owner, McClain later broke the door.
When Officer Sabanovic arrived, the defendant, Darnell Howard, and his brother, Terrell, showed up.
The shop owner testified that Darnell Howard tried to get his friend, Hector McClain to leave, and that's when the officer said McClain couldn't leave, and Darnell Howard allegedly spit at the market's door.
"After the spit, the officer tried to grab Darnell, and Terrell went behind and started punching him from his back," said Fathi Hamood, the shop owner.
The defense questioned Hamood's memory of the incident, asking him questions about the video and repeating it dozens of times.
Two more witnesses are expected to take the stand before the trial concludes, which could be as early as Wednesday.
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