Alexander Lesh Murder Trial Underway October 14, 1965
Chronicle Telegram City: Elyria, Ohio Date: Thursday, October 14, 1965
Murder Trial underway
JUDGE BARS LESH'S WORDS TO OFFICERS
Statements made by Alexander Lesh 33, to Lorain police immediately following the shooting of his wife's alleged lover, were barred by Judge John D. Pincura yesterday as the trial of Lesh for first degree murder got under way.
The court barred the testimony on constitutional grounds when it was disclosed that Lesh told police he did not wish to make a statement until he had consulted with his attorney.
The ruling was made when Patrolman George T. Walker, first witness called by the state, was asked what Lesh said as he was being taken to police headquarters.Defense Atty. John Hritsko objected.
The jury of seven women and five men were sent to their jury room during the discussion.Walker said that Lesh did say he did not want to make any statement without first consulting his attorney.
The court then barred any testimony of what Lesh said, and directed that the jury be called back into the courtroom.Lesh is charged with the fatal shooting of Norbert Thomas, 27 as he sat in his car parked in front of the home of Lesh's estranged wife, Oralia, at 3130 Eastlawn Ave., Lorain, Aug 20.
First witness today was Lorain Ptl. George Ritenauer, one of the first on the scene after the shooting.Ritenauer testified that Lesh told him to look for a gun under Thomas's body which the patrolman said he found.
The officer also testified that Lesh said "He shot at me first."
Lorain Fireman Bruno Rositano, also an early arrival at the scene, was testifying shortly before noon today as the trial neared noon recess.
Other witnesses called yesterday were Michael A. Ondreyco, chief investigator for the sheriff's department, who projected 21 pictures on a screen showing scenes at the shooting and also pictures of the autopsy showing where Thomas was shot.The pictures were taken by Patrolman Arpad Toth of the Lorain Police Department.
In his opening statements to the jury, Assistant Prosecutor Joseph Grunda said the defendant's claim of self-defense was impossible and the state would show that Lesh fired seven shots from his .32 caliber pistol, five of which entered the body of Thomas, while Thomas, mortally wounded, managed to fire one shot from a (continued on page 4, col. 2) (I can't find the balance of this article)