As reported by Reuters and others, two Dodger fans have been ordered to stand trial for assault and
battery after allegedly beating a Giants fan, to the point that the man suffered brain damage, in a Dodger Stadium parking lot.
The injured man, B.S., now 43 years-old, traveled from northern California – as many fans of the San Francisco Giants did – to watch the season's opening game on March 31, 2011 in the Dodger Stadium.
The beating of B.S., a paramedic and father of two, has been the subject of much media and public attention. The safety of the stadium has been called into question, as well as issues between the league and then-owner of the Dodgers, Frank McCourt.
The reason for the attack was allegedly the Giants apparel that B.S. wore that called the attention of his assailants.
Four months following the attack L.S., 30 and M.N., 31, were arrested. A Superior Court judge has now determined that there is enough evidence to try both men. The two face charges of mayhem, assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury and battery with serious bodily injury.
If found guilty on all of the charges both will face up to eight years of incarceration. The two currently have pleaded not guilty. They are still remanded to custody in lieu of $500,000 bond.
A witness testified to seeing B.S. punched in the head. The impact caused B.S. to fall backwards and hit his head onto the pavement. Once he was on the ground, allegedly unconscious, one of his assailants kicked him in the head.
Weeks later B.S. awoke from a coma to learn that he had suffered with a skull fracture and had severe brain damage. Both prosecutors and defense lawyers signed a joint stipulation stating that B.S. cannot walk, cannot engage in a regular conversation and for the remainder of his life he will require daily assistance.
D.S., sister to L.S. and fiancé to M.N., testified that she witnessed the attack before the two men joined her in her car and instructed her to drive off.
Gilbert Quinones, D.S.'s attorney, told reporters that "there are still a lot of questions" in regards as to who exactly was a part of the beating.
Public outrage over the event has prompted criticism of the current security in and around the stadium, which allegedly can be rife with thugs.
L.S. is also facing misdemeanor battery counts – occurring at the same event and with two other Giants fans – and will soon be standing trial on those charges. Additional prison time may be warranted if L.S. is convicted.
The beating incident occurred near the same time that Major League Baseball was having issues with McCourt, as both sought control of the ball club.
Contact a criminal defense attorney if you face one or more criminal charges. No matter how daunting your case may look, your defense now is paramount to your freedom later.
