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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, 2007Reporter: 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.
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Friday, the defense called just one witness before resting its case. The judge dismissed the jury after an hour.
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When Judge William Gabler asked Michael Kozlowski what his decision was. He gave his answer: "Not to testify."
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Kozlowski waived his right to testify Friday.
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The only witness of the day met the truck driver a year and a half ago.
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"He had two cuts on his lower legs. He was shivering and cold," said Jeffrey Steltz.
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Defense attorney Earl Gray hopes Steltz's testimony helped prove that Kozlowski is not to blame for the crash that killed five people.
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"The left lane was obstructed I thought possibly it was a jack knifed semi," Steltz told the jury.
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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.
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"Did you have difficulty in stopping your vehicle in time so you didn’t hit the obstruction?” asked Gray.
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"No, there was no panic stop," answered Steltz.
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After stopping, Steltz then hurried to help those who couldn't help themselves.
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"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.
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District Attorney Rich White asked the final question of the trial.
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"You stated that you heard screams of one of the victims, Cassie Gast, where was she?”
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"She was located in front of the bus, on the pavement on the passenger side," answered Steltz.
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A final witness, and a final question, taking jurors back to where this all began.
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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.
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