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The trial of Dr. Joseph Yurich continues on Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court in Youngstown, Ohio. Yurich is accused of crashing a boat into a fishing vessel on May 9, 2015. The accident resulted in the death of Neal Cuppett, 58. Bruce Lindamood,42, was injured as well. Yurich is now facing several charges, including vehicular homicide. Court is expected to begin at 9:00 am ET.
In addition to homicide, and a vehicular assault charge for Lindamood’s injury, Yurich, a surgeon, is accused of being drunk at the time of the crash. He is facing a charged of operating a watercraft while impaired. A blood alcohol test showed a level of .08, which is just above the legal limit, however the tests were ruled to be inadmissible at trial because the blood and urine samples had not been properly refrigerated before going to a lab for testing. Despite this, prosecutors believe they still have enough evidence to support the charge, including a statement from Yurich, where he allegedly admitted to having “a couple” drinks.
The defense began calling witnesses on Monday, after the prosecution rested their case last week. Yurich’s wife, Angela Rodriguez, took the stand. She told the court that on the night of the crash, Yurich didn’t show any signs of being impaired by alcohol. She didn’t smell alcohol on his breath, and he didn’t appear to have any trouble with balance or speech. Rodriguez also described how Yurich reacted to learning that someone had died in the accident, saying that he was “severely” upset and shaken up by it.
Yurich himself may take the stand on Tuesday, and if the defense rests, closing arguments could take place as well.
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