Jonathan Bruno
John Baptie
John Baptie
Rutland, Vermont - December 3, 2009
Members of John Baptie's family gathered in court Thursday in search of justice for his murder.
Jonathan Bruno is charged with the second-degree murder. Prosecutors say he stabbed Baptie to death two years ago near Rutland's Amtrak Station over a $40 drug debt.
"Jonathan Bruno cut John Baptie and he cut him unlawfully in the neck. And he cut him unlawfully in the neck with a knife. And he did it in moments, so fast and so unprovoked that it was unlawful killing," Rutland County Prosecutor Marc Brierre said.
The defense argues Bruno was in a manic state due to his drug use and believed he was in danger and was defending himself.
"He swung to back off John Baptie-- tragically he cut his throat," said Kerry DeWolfe, Bruno's lawyer. "John dropped the knife and ran. All he knew was that there was a lot of blood and he never meant for this to happen."
Court Adjourned at 4 p.m. on Thursday and will reconvene Friday morning with the presentation of evidence and witness testimony.
Molly Smith - WCAX News
Related Stories:
Police: Man Killed Over $40 Debt
Man Stabbed to Death in Rutland
