Trial Delay Likely for Suspect in Pitcher's Death
Tuesday, Sep 15, 2009 | Updated 10:00 AM PST
Getty Images
TEMPE, AZ - FEBRUARY 22: Nick Adenhart #90 of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim poses for a portrait during photo day at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Arizona February 22, 2008. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
The trial of a man charged with the drunken driving death of Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart will likely be delayed by several months after a new defense attorney was appointed.
An Orange County public defender was appointed Monday to represent 22-year-old Andrew Gallo after his private attorney quit the case, citing a lack of resources. Prosecutors had hoped to go before a jury late this year.
Gallo is charged with three counts of second-degree murder for an April crash that killed Adenhart and two others.
Authorities say Gallo was drunk when he drove his minivan through a red light in Fullerton and hit another car. He could face nearly 55 years to life in prison if convicted.
Raymond Rivera, Andrew Gallo's stepbrother, said the pair had gone to Johnny Carino's in West Covina where Gallo's girlfriend is a waitress. He testified the two downed beers and shots of tequila before driving to another bar called The Well in Covina.
According to police, the two were seen on surveillance tape at that bar, drinking at least three more beers and several shots of sake.
Fullerton police detective Matthew Malone told the grand jury that he asked Gallo why he was behind the wheel.
Experts also testified that based on blood taken from Gallo, his alcohol level at the time of the creash would have been .22 -- almost three times the legal limit.
