Trial 2011

July 13, 2011 ALLEGED WIFE BEATER ARRESTED

St. Johnsville, N.Y., has the first occupant of it's jail since it's completion in 1958. Seventy-five year old Luis M. Diaz of Boyne City, Michigan, is being held pending an investigation of spousal abuse.

The incident occurred on the night of July 11, 2011. It was not reported until July 13, 2011, when fellow boaters called the local police. They were concerned about Donna Diaz and her safety.

Mr. and Mrs. Diaz are traveling on a 40 foot sailboat through the Erie Canal on their return trip to Michigan. They spend 24 hour a day/7 days a week together in 550 square feet with only one bathroom.

The prosecutors allege that Mr. Diaz punched Mrs. Diaz in the left cheek and jaw causing abrasions and bruising. Mrs. Diaz refuses to comment. Prosecutors speculate that it is too painful for her to talk.

Mr. Diaz maintains his innocence. He said, "After 45 years of marriage, I still love my wife and would never hit her. You've got to believe me!"

The trial is set for the afternoon of July 14, 2011. Witnesses are encouraged to testify at the trial so that swift justice can be found.

July 14, 2011 ALLEGED WIFE BEATER APPEARS IN HANDCUFFS

A pretty sorry looking old man took his seat at the defense table still professing his innocence while his handcuffs were removed.

The prosecutor presented a strong case against Mr. Luis Diaz. He gave numerous examples of Mr. Diaz becoming easily excited at sporting events, using vulger language, and drinking too much alcohol. On the night in question the prosecutor promised to paint a picture of Mr. Diaz "popping his cork" after a number of drinks and "hammering" his wife for not bringing him another one.

The defense maintains that Mr. Diaz is a mild-mannered patient man. In 45 years of marriage he has stood by Mrs. Diaz in sickness and in health. His habit is to walk away when she bugs him.

The first witness called was Mrs. Marlene Cosgrove of East Lansing, Michigan. It was Mrs. Cosgrove's eye witness account of the accident that brought a swift judgement of NOT GUILTY to the procedure.

Mrs. Cosgrove witnessed Mrs. Diaz stepping onto the boat, tripping on a line, and falling forward. Mrs. Diaz hit her cheek on the cockpit table which caused the bruising.

CASE DISMISSED

There is still no comment from Mrs. Diaz, but she did give Mr. Diaz a big hug.

(Donna's statement "It was bound to happen sooner or later. As falls on a boat go this was a good one. I didn't break a bone, I didn't break my glasses, and I had ice available to put on the injury immediately.)