Testimony Wraps in Bus Crash Trial
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Updated: 9:00 AM Apr 30, 2007
Testimony Wraps in Bus Crash Trial
24-year-old Michael Kozlowski of Indiana should know his fate by early next week
Posted: 9:28 PM Apr 27, 2007
Reporter: Mary Rinzel
Email Address: mary.rinzel@weau.com
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Testimony wrapped up today in the bus crash trial. 24-year-old Michael Kozlowski of Indiana should know his fate by early next week. He faces 33 charges after a bus carrying members of the Chippewa Falls High School Marching band crashed into his overturned semi.

Friday, the defense called just one witness before resting its case. The judge dismissed the jury after an hour.

When Judge William Gabler asked Michael Kozlowski what his decision was. He gave his answer: "Not to testify."

Kozlowski waived his right to testify Friday.

The only witness of the day met the truck driver a year and a half ago.

"He had two cuts on his lower legs. He was shivering and cold," said Jeffrey Steltz.

Defense attorney Earl Gray hopes Steltz's testimony helped prove that Kozlowski is not to blame for the crash that killed five people.

"The left lane was obstructed I thought possibly it was a jack knifed semi," Steltz told the jury.

Steltz's wife was driving the night of the crash. Theres was the first car at the crash scene. Steltz says half-way down the hill leading up to the crash, he knew they needed to stop.

"Did you have difficulty in stopping your vehicle in time so you didn’t hit the obstruction?” asked Gray.

"No, there was no panic stop," answered Steltz.

After stopping, Steltz then hurried to help those who couldn't help themselves.

"I checked on Cassie. I checked on Brian Collicott. I checked on Branden Atherton. Then I had a vision of Houston bus fire go through my mind. There was fuel all over the ground, so my next reaction was to evacuate anybody.

District Attorney Rich White asked the final question of the trial.

"You stated that you heard screams of one of the victims, Cassie Gast, where was she?”

"She was located in front of the bus, on the pavement on the passenger side," answered Steltz.

A final witness, and a final question, taking jurors back to where this all began.

The trial could wrap up as early as Monday. But Judge William Gabler says the verdict may not come until Tuesday. A spokesperson for the victims says she expects a packed courtroom both days.