A criminal trial got underway in Dukes County superior court this week in a case involving an alleged stabbing in Oak Bluffs in the early spring of 2013.
Two men are facing charges of assault; one of them also has been charged with attempted murder.
Opening arguments took place Tuesday morning in the Edgartown courthouse in the trial of Darryl B. Baptiste and Patrece L. Petersen.
Mr. Petersen, 42, of Edgartown, is charged with assault to murder, attempted murder and assault and battery. Mr. Baptiste, 36, of Brooklyn, is charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery.
The two men were arrested and charged after an incident on March 9, 2013 at the Ritz Cafe in Oak Bluffs. According to a police report at the time, Mr. Petersen and Mr. Baptiste allegedly got into an argument with two brothers. Mr. Baptiste allegedly slashed a victim with a razor, cutting his leather jacket, and Mr. Petersen allegedly choked a victim and said he was going to kill him.
The brothers who are the alleged victims testified in court Tuesday afternoon.
Jury selection for the case began on Monday, Oct. 20, but it took several days to select a jury. There are 10 women and four men on the jury, which includes two alternates.
Cape and Islands assistant district attorney Laura Marshard is prosecuting the case. Mr. Peterson is being represented by Robert D. Moriarty and Mr. Baptiste is being represented by John A. Amabile.
The Hon. Richard J. Chin, an associate justice of the superior court, is presiding over the case.
The fall superior court session began early in the month and concludes this week.
Comments
Comment policy »