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Oddone sentencing postponed
Jan 27, 10 11:31 AM
Oddone jurors describe deliberations
Dec 17, 09 11:27 AM
Oddone guilty of first-degree manslaughter, jury announces Monday
Dec 14, 09 10:25 PM
Deliberations in Oddone trial resume Monday with testimony reread to jury
Dec 14, 09 2:27 PM
Seventh day of deliberations ends with no verdict in Oddone case
Dec 10, 09 10:00 PM
more
Anthony Oddone’s lawyer, Manhattan attorney Sarita Kedia, rested the defense case in a Riverhead courtroom on Wednesday morning after calling just six witnesses to the stand—none of them her client, who is accused of murder.
Assistant District Attorney Denise Merrifield also rested the prosecution’s case on Wednesday, declining to call any additional witnesses to rebut testimony given by defense witnesses.
The two attorneys will meet with Judge C. Randall Hinrichs on Monday to discuss the charges the jury will be given to consider in their deliberation. Closing arguments in the case will begin on Tuesday morning.
Ms. Kedia had implied earlier in the week that she planned to call Mr. Oddone to the stand on Wednesday but ultimately decided not to. After she announced she was resting her case, Judge Hinrichs asked Mr. Oddone if he agreed with the decision not to have him testify in his own defense. Seated at the defense table in a black tie and white striped dress shirt, he answered, “Yes,” in a low voice.
Mr. Oddone, 26, of Farmingville, stands accused of murdering Southampton native Andrew Reister in a bar fight in August 2008. He faces 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the sole charge of second-degree murder.
It is possible that new, lesser charges will be introduced before the jury is left to its deliberations, which could begin as early as Tuesday afternoon. The prosecution opted for a case that intended to prove that Mr. Oddone had intentionally killed Mr. Reister when he held him in a choke hold during the altercation last year at the Southampton Publick House. Veteran defense attorneys have said it is likely that a number of lesser charges—including first-degree manslaughter, a felony that carries a prison sentence of seven to 10 years, or possibly even misdemeanor charges of accidental killing, which could result in no jail time—will be included in the jury’s instructions, giving them other options than simply guilty or not guilty of second-degree murder.
Mr. Reister, 40 when he died, was working part-time as a bouncer at the Publick House when the Hampton Bays man asked Mr. Oddone to stop dancing on a table in the bar’s lounge. Mr. Oddone refused and, according to witnesses, Mr. Reister tried to forcibly remove him from the table. A struggle ensued, during which Mr. Reister fell unconscious after Mr. Oddone placed him in a choke hold from behind. The victim was declared brain dead two days later and taken off life support.
The final defense witness, Shamir Cohen, told the jury that Mr. Reister was calm at first but became “extremely aggressive” when Mr. Oddone spurned his request to get off the table.
“When he grabbed at the guy, he knocked the guy to the ground—it was extremely fast, extremely aggressive,” Ms. Cohen testified. “I was pretty shocked. I turned to my friend and said, ‘Did you see that?’ I thought it was inappropriate. I said to my friend, ‘He was just dancing on a table.’”
In addition to the eyewitness testimony of Ms. Cohen and two other young women, Ms. Kedia’s defense case focused largely on the testimony of two doctors—one a cardiologist the other a forensic pathologist—who suggested that Mr. Reister’s death was hastened, if not caused, by existing heart problems and not simply Mr. Oddone’s choke hold. She also tried to raise doubts about some eyewitnesses’ time estimates of how long the struggle between the two men lasted.
On Tuesday, defense witness Dr. John Kassotis, a cardiologist, testified that after reading Mr. Resiter’s medical history and reviewing the autopsy report, he concluded that Mr. Reister had died of heart failure because of pre-existing heart disease, not simply the chokehold itself.
Dr. James Wilson, a deputy Suffolk County medical examiner who performed the autopsy on Mr. Reister, testified for the prosecution that it appeared from wounds in the victim’s neck that Mr. Oddone had gotten Mr. Reister into what is known as a “carotid sleeper hold.” When a person’s arm is wrapped another person’s neck from behind, Dr. Wilson explained, the hard bone of the forearm puts pressure on a specific area of the neck that causes pressure to build in the head and face, spurring the brain to signal the heart to stop beating in a short time.
Dr. Kassotis said that even if choked in the way Mr. Oddone is believed to have held Mr. Reister for two minutes—the approximate time several prosecution witnesses said the struggle lasted—a person with a healthy heart could still have recovered.
“I would expect about 80 percent of people to recover, even if pressure were applied for two minutes,” Dr. Kassotis said.
Add a comment
Cohen testimony that Reister was "extremely aggressive" may lead to a verdict of "Not Guilty" due to self-defense issues raising "reasonable doubt."
Have a good Thanksgiving.
Total comments by PBR: 193
Total comments by maryb123: 84
An unexpected shove from an unidentifiable person who outweighed Tony by 100 lbs and ended up on top of him on a barroom floor warrants self defense through even the most biased eyes. Tony responded to his agressor as to prevent any further harm to himself - self defense. As to the very scientific and close up pictures of various body parts shown throughout the trial, they did not evoke visible emotion from almost anyone in the courtroom with the exception of Mr. Reister’s wife and mother. ... more Not his fellow corrections officers, not family friends, not jurors, nor other onlookers. These photos were allowed into evidence because the judge felt they would not evoke overwhelming emotion from those that saw them and any photos that had the potential for evoking sympathy or emotion were inadmissible. Don’t be so hasty to mistake “callousness” for being numb. The past 15 months have allowed Tony to prepare for these weeks in court and have given him the opportunity to experience his own emotions in private. It is likely that, if he had cringed or shed tears, that you would have accused him of faking emotion to evoke his own sympathy from the jury. If those around Tony felt the level of instability and anger from him that you are trying to portray he would not be in the position he is today with an unwavering group of support from family to friends to coworkers, teammates, and countless others who support him, visit him, pray for him, and LOVE him! We know that Andrew Reister is loved by many but the truth is so is Tony and no words you post here will change that nor will they change the reality of what we know happened 15 months ago.
Total comments by FOTO: 35
Obviously you don't know what you are talking about. Those photos evoked emotion in more than Stacey and Halina. I was there...were you?? Just because people are not crying doesn't mean they don't feel pain.
And if Oddone's clan had any feelings, those photos would have evoked emotion in them, too. But I did notice that on certain days when the going got tough, not many of his clan were there. hmmm.
And...may ... more I ask...why are you so callous? Do you feel like you have to win? Look, Pal, you did win... your Big Tone is still alive... Andrew isn't.
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by big: 13
I do not believe Reister was the aggressor.
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by maryb123: 84
I hope they lock him up and throw away the key... but chances are he will be free someday. I hope he gets some serious anger management ... more training before they let him lose. God help the next person that pisses him off. Or maybe he won't be so lucky and he will meet his match.
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by Tiny1: 3
Duh.
Total comments by highhatsize: 303
Total comments by Johnny Nova: 41
Total comments by private: 15
Total comments by North Sea Citizen: 86
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by Sam: 223
I could add something about the other side's family table, but I have more class!
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by INS: 524
And I will add no more to your comments..because you just go on and on and I am not going to entertain the idle space in your life!
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
I bet a movie is made about this.
Total comments by slamminsammy: 84
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by PrivateerMatt: 300
I thought these guys had to be in shape in order to deal with the inmates.
Total comments by PrivateerMatt: 300
Talk is cheap..and you people on this board are all entitled to your own opinions..
You all know how I feel, and I am not going to entertain your mentality any further.
Enjoy the holiday...
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Happy Thanksgiving and God bless the Reister family.
Total comments by SoHoser: 2
Total comments by PrivateerMatt: 300
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
§ 10.00. Definitions of terms of general use in this chapter...
9. "Physical injury" means impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.
10. "Serious physical injury" means physical injury which creates a substantial risk of death, or which causes death or serious and protracted disfigurement, protracted impairment ... more of health or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily organ.
11. "Deadly physical force" means physical force which, under the circumstances in which it is used, is readily capable of causing death or other serious physical injury.
§ 15.05. Culpability; definitions of culpable mental states
The following definitions are applicable to this chapter:
1. "Intentionally." A person acts intentionally with respect to a result or to conduct described by a statute defining an offense when his conscious objective is to cause such result or to engage in such conduct.
2. "Knowingly." A person acts knowingly with respect to conduct or to a circumstance described by a statute defining an offense when he is aware that his conduct is of such nature or that such circumstance exists.
3. "Recklessly." A person acts recklessly with respect to a result or to a circumstance described by a statute defining an offense when he is aware of and consciously disregards a substantial and unjustifiable risk that such result will occur or that such circumstance exists. The risk must be of such nature and degree that disregard thereof constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of conduct that a reasonable person would observe in the situation. A person who creates such a risk but is unaware thereof solely by reason of voluntary intoxication also acts recklessly with respect thereto.
4. "Criminal negligence." A person acts with criminal negligence with respect to a result or to a circumstance described by a statute defining an offense when he fails to perceive a substantial and unjustifiable risk that such result will occur or that such circumstance exists. The risk must be of such nature and degree that the failure to perceive it constitutes a gross deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would observe in the situation.
§ 125.25. Murder in the second degree
A person is guilty of murder in the second degree when:
1. With intent to cause the death of another person, he causes the death of such person or of a third person; except that in any prosecution under this subdivision, it is an affirmative defense that:
(a) The defendant acted under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance for which there was a reasonable explanation or excuse, the reasonableness of which is to be determined from the viewpoint of a person in the defendant's situation under the circumstances as the defendant believed them to be. Nothing contained in this paragraph shall constitute a defense to a prosecution for, or preclude a conviction of, manslaughter in the first degree or any other crime
§ 125.20. Manslaughter in the first degree
A person is guilty of manslaughter in the first degree when:
1. With intent to cause serious physical injury to another person, he causes the death of such person or of a third person; or
2. With intent to cause the death of another person, he causes the death of such person or of a third person under circumstances which do not constitute murder because he acts under the influence of extreme emotional disturbance, as defined in paragraph (a) of subdivision one of section 125.25.
§ 125.15. Manslaughter in the second degree
A person is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree when:
1. He recklessly causes the death of another person
§ 125.10. Criminally negligent homicide
A person is guilty of criminally negligent homicide when, with criminal negligence, he causes the death of another person.
§ 35.15. Justification; use of physical force in defense of a person
1. A person may, subject to the provisions of subdivision two, use physical force upon another person when and to the extent he or she reasonably believes such to be necessary to defend himself, herself or a third person from what he or she reasonably believes to be the use or imminent use of unlawful physical force by such other person, unless:
(a) The latter's conduct was provoked by the actor with intent to cause physical injury to another person; or
(b) The actor was the initial aggressor; except that in such case the use of physical force is nevertheless justifiable if the actor has withdrawn from the encounter and effectively communicated such withdrawal to such other person but the latter persists in continuing the incident by the use or threatened imminent use of unlawful physical force; or
(c) The physical force involved is the product of a combat by agreement not specifically authorized by law.
2. A person may not use deadly physical force upon another person under circumstances specified in subdivision one unless:
(a) The actor reasonably believes that such other person is using or about to use deadly physical force. Even in such case, however, the actor may not use deadly physical force if he or she knows that with complete personal safety, to oneself and others he or she may avoid the necessity of so doing by retreating; except that the actor is under no duty to retreat if he or she is:
(i) in his or her dwelling and not the initial aggressor; or
(ii) a police officer or peace officer or a person assisting a police officer or a peace officer at the latter's direction, acting pursuant to section 35.30; or
(b) He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a kidnapping, forcible rape, forcible criminal sexual act or robbery; or
(c) He or she reasonably believes that such other person is committing or attempting to commit a burglary, and the circumstances are such that the use of deadly physical force is authorized by subdivision three of section 35.20.
Presumption of Innocence
Burden of Proof
(in cases without an affirmative defense)
Proof Beyond A Reasonable Doubt
We now turn to the fundamental principles of our law that apply in all criminal trials–the presumption of innocence, the burden of proof, and the requirement of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Throughout these proceedings, the defendant is presumed to be innocent. As a result, you must find the defendant not guilty, unless, on the evidence presented at this trial, you conclude that the People have proven the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
In determining whether the People have satisfied their burden of proving the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you may consider all the evidence presented, whether by the People or by the defendant. In doing so, however, remember that, even though the defendant introduced evidence, the burden of proof remains on the People.
The defendant is not required to prove that he/she is not guilty. In fact, the defendant is not required to prove or disprove anything. To the contrary, the People have the burden of proving the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That means, before you can find the defendant guilty of a crime, the People must prove beyond a reasonable doubt every element of the crime including that the defendant is the person who committed that crime. The burden of proof never shifts from the People to the defendant. If the People fail to satisfy their burden of proof, you must find the defendant not guilty. If the People satisfy their burden of proof, you must find the defendant guilty.
What does our law mean when it requires proof of guilt "beyond a reasonable doubt"?
The law uses the term, "proof beyond a reasonable doubt," to tell you how convincing the evidence of guilt must be to permit a verdict of guilty. The law recognizes that, in dealing with human affairs, there are very few things in this world that we know with absolute certainty. Therefore, the law does not require the People to prove a defendant guilty beyond all possible doubt. On the other hand, it is not sufficient to prove that the defendant is probably guilty. In a criminal case, the proof of guilt must be stronger than that. It must be beyond a reasonable doubt.
A reasonable doubt is an honest doubt of the defendant's guilt for which a reason exists based upon the nature and quality of the evidence. It is an actual doubt, not an imaginary doubt. It is a doubt that a reasonable person, acting in a matter of this importance, would be likely to entertain because of the evidence that was presented or because of the lack of convincing evidence.
Proof of guilt beyond a reasonable doubt is proof that leaves you so firmly convinced of the defendant's guilt that you have no reasonable doubt of the existence of any element of the crime or of the defendant's identity as the person who committed the crime.
In determining whether or not the People have proven the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, you should be guided solely by a full and fair evaluation of the evidence. After carefully evaluating the evidence, each of you must decide whether or not that evidence convinces you beyond a reasonable doubt of the defendant's guilt.
Whatever your verdict may be, it must not rest upon baseless speculations. Nor may it be influenced in any way by bias, prejudice, sympathy, or by a desire to bring an end to your deliberations or to avoid an unpleasant duty.
If you are not convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of a charged crime, you must find the defendant not guilty of that crime. If you are convinced beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty of a charged crime, you must find the defendant guilty of that crime.
Total comments by Publius: 284
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
In the age of computers, it didn't take much time and I thought it was worth the effort so that the task this jury will undertake could be considered. It won't be easy.
Total comments by Publius: 284
Are you preparing to charge the jury?
Total comments by Frank Wheeler: 506
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by pstevens: 84
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Fact: Reister put his hands on Oddone first.
Total comments by slamminsammy: 84
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
honeylamb: Since we are talking about policy at the publick house and since you have been at the trial alot can I ask you something? What is the policy for the bouncers if a patron isnt cooperating? Bc i have been at the trial and I heard that they are supposed to call the police who are stationed like ... more a block away.
If everyone wants to say how Oddone should have followed the rules and gotten off the table than shouldnt we apply the rules to everyone involved?
I dont think it was the publick house's policy that if a patron who is dancing on a table doesnt cooperate you shove him off a table. I am not saying that Tony was right for what he did by any stretch and it may be a hard pill to swollow but if Mr. Reister followed the Publick House Policy and didnt take it upon himself to push a patron off a table and expect him not to defend himself then we may not be in this situation.
As for the people that have said the defense had to go all the way to Michigan for someone to agree with their story please lets not be rediculous. They could have very well gotten another forensics guy who lived closer to take the stand but they wanted the best. The reason they chose this individual is because he is one of the best at what he does and he is nationally known.
Many of you want to judge Oddone and call him an animal and i understand your anger and cant blame you, but as a long time friend of Oddone I promise you that he never meant to kill Mr. Reister and he has always been a great friend to me and many others. That night was a terrible trajedy that all of us wish never happened but I believe the fact the fact that Mr. Reister died was a tragic accident and was not done on purpose.
Do you think that these bridge members would pay for his defense if they didnt think he was a good kid?
Do you think people would be showing up to support him throughout his trial if they thought he was a dirtbag?
Total comments by friend4life: 17
You cannot imagine the lost the Reister family has from your long time friend Oddone! If he suffers for what he did for the rest of his life, its not long enough as far as I am concerned!
There you have it ...did that satisfy your curiosity?? One way or the other I don't really care if it did or didn't. I'll be ... more here as many times as I see fit.
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by HB 4 Life: 54
Bottom line is the jury will decide his fate and not us, and if he does life in prison or walks free it doesnt change that a great man tragically died and another great man has to live with that on his concious the rest of his life. There are no winners here, and I am not downplaying the fact of how hard this must be on the Riester family one bit.
I know people are angry but please dont let it out on friends of Anthony's. We are here supporting a loved one in a time of need.
If ANYYYYY of you had a friend like tony you would be doing the same thing as we are, you wouldnt just turn your back on him.
Im just glad that no matter what the jury decides this whole thing will all be over in a short time
Total comments by friend4life: 17
(Just thought I would aggravate you and post one more time)
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by Bub: 1
Total comments by INS: 524
please enlighten me as to all of the wonderful things he has done ... more in his life.
Total comments by AlwaysLocal: 110
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by slamminsammy: 84
Total comments by friend4life: 17
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by AlwaysLocal: 110
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by INS: 524
Do you have any real interest in either family here?
Or do you use this board to be humored and amused? (You have mentioned both words in prior posts). If so, I think you are insulting to all concerned.
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by INS: 524
By the way, I know FIRST HAND there has been so much corruption at The Bridge over the last few years it doesn't surprise me that Oddone is one of their smart "investments"!?
Total comments by wondering: 49
Total comments by friend4life: 17
The only outstanding thing he has done... albeit HORRIFICALLY outstanding...is murder Andrew Reister. That will definitely not look good on his resume!!
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by INS: 524
accidental killing
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
And you know what... you can wonder til the cows come home...won't do you any good. So go fix something else...
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
But back to the case at hand...The irony is- in a short time, out of the cradle of Rikers, Oddone will be praying to have a Corrections Officer like Andrew Reister in his midst. Praying. Irony. Indeed.
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by maryb123: 84
That you would say Andrew was working within the capacity of his job description when he pushed, shoved whatever you want to call it a customer, shows once again your ignorance. A bouncers job is to provide security in the establishment, this is not done by starting fights. Pushing someone is a great way to start a fight, this is what he did. He didn't try to remove Oddone from the Publick House which he probably should've ... more done. He instead chose to escalate the situation in a manner which was the exact opposite of what he was paid to do. Since you are quite inept at reading or maybe just a little slow I will explain that this does not excuse or attempt to excuse what Oddone did.
He overreacted by the manner in which he responded. He should've just called the cops as you said which by the way is one of the few rational things you have posted. I have no problem with cops or correction officers where you deduced this from I don't know. I can only think that when faced with the truth, you grasp at anything to make my factual statements seems less valid.
I can understand you upset if in fact Andrew was a friend of yours, but to resort to condoning the mistreatment of others because of a differing view is a sad place for you to be.
Total comments by INS: 524
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
Realize Tony bears this burden for the rest of his life & it is sad to think that some do not consider it
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Why don't you start posting in Newsday instead, maybe you can get some "up island" support there!
Total comments by wondering: 49
ACCIDENTAL KILLING
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
Total comments by honeylamb: 12
Total comments by Sam: 223
Total comments by maryb123: 84
But it won't be for "Murder" no matter long you hold your breath and get red in the face. That charge -- the "intentionl" part -- simply isn't there.
Total comments by Frank Wheeler: 506
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by AnonymousSgh: 74
I believe Frank and fix-it are calmly focusing on the legal issue of "intent" which the jury must consider, and are offering the opinion that the prosecution will have a difficult time proving the requisite intent for a murder conviction. Lesser charges may be introduced on Tuesday, and a conviction on them would be more uncertain, due to varying states of mind required for convictions.
The poster below brings up a good point about Oddone releasing and re-establishing ... more his grip, after which his intent may have been more specific. I am not sure about the precise testimony on this point.
Time will tell.
In my opinion, "screaming" at other posters here does not help any family heal their wounds from this tragic event. And yes, there is plenty of healing which will have to take place. For a long time. Tragic indeed.
I hope everyone had a good day of Giving Thanks.
Peace on Earth begins in your own heart.
Total comments by PBR: 193
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Too much anger
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by porter: 16
Total comments by INS: 524
Duh.
Total comments by maryb123: 84
This happened around 1:00 AM Thursday, that Wednesday was "ladies night"
did they get in free, were their drinks 1/2 price, 2 for 1 -- out of that atmosphere is there reliable witness female or male.
I don't believe Tony's blood was taken. The autopsy should have Andy's.
That might be a technical appeal point.
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by INS: 524
You throw around the word clueless quite a bit, yet you really have no idea just how clueless you are. You are uninvolved with anyone in this case, you are here for your own twisted benefit. Wake up and realize that most of us here know more than we're willing to post, and you sir, know nothing in comparison. You know hate. I feel sorry for you, yet as I said before, it is sure to catch up with you.
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by FOTO: 35
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by username1: 32
Mr. Reister must have been getting at least 75k a year with full benefits working at the county lockup. Why would one want to risk all that and a family for probably 100 bucks a night dealing with beligerent drunks at a bar? Id rather make that extra money doing something else so i could be at home with my family every night,
Isnt it also against policy for a correction officer to also work as a bouncer or other authority figure?
Total comments by slamminsammy: 84
Tony didnt take the stand not because he is wrong, but because that was the advise of his attorney who is one of the best at what she does.
No matter what he says or does for the rest of his life, you will still call him and animal and say he isnt remorseful, so why would you want him to.
I have visited and talked with tony many nights since that terrible accident ... more happened and all he does is talk about how terrible he feels that those two bueatiful kids are growing up without a father.
You can all say that he doesnt care and is an animal but I know the real Tony, who is living with this every day.
I dont blame you for not caring bc if I was on the other side of this case I would most likely be saying the same stuff but Tony suffers every day with what he did which was a tragic accident.
He has to somehow make peace with himself and with GOD which he tries to do every day.
Im sure Tony would love to apologize to the Reister family for accidently killing Andy but you all know that no matter what he says would never be good enough for you and I completely understand your anger and cant blame you one bit.
But please dont say he doesnt care about what happened that night bc every time I see or talk to him he brings it up.
PRAYING FOR FORGIVENESS AND ACCEPTANCE FOR ALL INVOLVED.
Total comments by friend4life: 17
THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOICE OF REASON.
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
This has become a place of many bitter words and harsh accusations and the truth is that this is not the way to honor the wonderful man you all knew Andrew to be nor the special person many of us believe Tony to be. There was a lot of inofrmation and evidence presented over the past 6 weeks and we can all choose to interpret it in a variety of ways. The jury will have the burden drawing their own conclusions and we will all continue to pray for our own desired outcomes until then.
Total comments by FOTO: 35
I for one am sick of it. If you must, use the word Monster or something else.... please!
Total comments by Sam: 223
Bless the families of Andrew. NOT Oddone's, he obviously lacked something in his life to be where he is... remember that too. You supporters of him are so seriously going down a scary, dreadful, dark path and you all desrve what you are going to get as is Oddone. Good Luck!!! You'll NEED IT!!!!!
Total comments by ET66: 6
Isn't it ironic, how soon Anthony Oddone will be wishing the Correction Officers around him were more like Andrew Reister. Have fun upstate kid.
Total comments by maryb123: 84
We missed seeing you in church this morning, hope you're feeling better.
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
You guys simply don't get it. We are a small tight-knit communty, not just a vacation spot for you to come and raise hell in over the summertime. Where you see just another bar fight "with a tragic twist" we have lost one of our own, and not just one of our own, but one of our best. We, as a community, lean on one another through difficult times, such as this one.
To hear you guys question Andy's character, and to listen to you call Oddone ... more a "great man" is absolutely disgusting. You are flaunting the fact that Andy is dead, and disregarding the horrible actions of Oddone because he is your friend. At what point did picking up a second job to help support your children better become a bad thing? Are you kidding me?
If this is honestly how you feel, than perhaps you should find another forum to console one another. By doing so here you are spitting in the eye of everybody out hear who has lost a husband, father, friend, and neighbor, due to the actions of your friend.
Total comments by AlwaysLocal: 110
Total comments by wondering: 49
Total comments by username1: 32
Total comments by AlwaysLocal: 110
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
that seems about right.
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by maryb123: 84
You're obviously close to Stacey and family, you write well please think about spending your time writing memories of Andrew for David and Mary Grace. It would be time well spent, don't give these "friends" of Tony's anymore of your time, they're just not worth it.
Justice will prevail.
Total comments by wondering: 49
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Now you know why the past happened. It is reflected here in the comments above.
Full Moon is early Wednesday morning.
Total comments by PBR: 193
Total comments by porter: 16
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Total comments by EastEnd68: 173
Total comments by AlwaysLocal: 110
Total comments by fix-it-now: 168
Give it a rest here and take it to Oprah!
Total comments by Frank Wheeler: 506
Total comments by HB 4 Life: 54
Probably a good idea for you to stick to texting and Tweets.
Total comments by Frank Wheeler: 506
Total comments by pstevens: 84
I also never said anything to insult his family and dishonor him, I am not that type of person.
I was just on here to shed some light as to the type of person Tony is, which is useless because you all have your mind made up on who he is.
I wonder how some of you would feel if you had a son that was kind, smart, athletic, and had everything ... more going for him and on one night was involved in a terrible accident.
Im not saying you should feel bad for him, but for one second put yourself in his family and friends shoes who know he is a good kid. Would you stop supporting him?
Im not downplaying what the Reisters are going through or even trying to compare one to the other but if you can for one minute, put yourself in his family and friends shoes and that may answer your questions as to why we support him
Total comments by friend4life: 17
Friend4life, I can understand supporting your friend through such a situation, but not grandstanding in front of everyone who attended Andy's funeral. If I was in your shoes, as you had asked us to imagine, I would be supportive of my friend, but also equally as compassionate to the lives of the still mourning community of the victim. I can respect you supporting your friend, but not at the cost of causing more suffering for those who have lost a close friend. Would you have shown up at the wake and tried to convince the widow that Tony was really a "great kid?" Would you get up at a fundraiser for his children and try to explain that your friend was "kind, smart, athletic, and had everything going for him and on one night was involved in a terrible accident"? Of course you wouldn't. There is a time and place for everything, this blog is neither.
Total comments by AlwaysLocal: 110
Total comments by username1: 32
He won't walk. Reasonable doubt has been raised to the crime of murder but he will be found guilty of some crime. The prosecution will request that the jury be allowed to consider lesser charges all the way don to negligent homicide. My guess is that the jury will find for Manslaughter in the Second Degree.
[Section 125.15 Manslaughter in the second degree
A person is guilty of manslaughter in the second degree when:
1. He recklessly causes ... more the death of another person; . . .]
Total comments by highhatsize: 303
As I was posting the above, the Southampton Press published an article saying that the prosecution had requested that the jury be allowed to consider Manslaughter in the First Degree and Criminally Negligent Homicide. No mention of Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree. At a guess, the prosecution may think that Man 2 would be too cheap for the crime and is giving the jury a choice between a fairly significant penalty, (Man 1), and virtually nothing, (negligent homicide). Or the report ... more could be incomplete.
Total comments by highhatsize: 303
Total comments by PBR: 193
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