A San Francisco jury on Friday discovered a homeless man not responsible after being accused of utilizing a metallic pipe to beat a businessman who suffered a damaged jaw, fractured cranium and traumatic mind harm in an assault caught on video that fueled debate about crime and homelessness within the metropolis.
Garret Doty, 25, was charged with three assault and battery fees for the April 5 beating of Don Carmignani. Doty pleaded not responsible.
Prosecutors stated Doty beat Carmignani in an act of revenge. However Doty’s protection attorneys stated he was appearing in self-defense after Carmignani sprayed him with bear spray.
The assault on Carmignani, a businessman who served briefly on a Hearth Division fee, occurred two days after the stabbing demise of Money App founder Bob Lee.
Lee’s killing unleashed a wave of criticism in opposition to metropolis officers by distinguished tech leaders. Among the many critics was tech billionaire Elon Musk, who took to Twitter to mourn Lee’s demise and blame San Francisco for what he referred to as the town’s lax perspective towards crime. A tech consultant is awaiting trial in Lee’s killing.
The assault on Carmignani fueled a story of a metropolis in chaos. However Doty’s protection legal professional argued Doty acted in self protection and launched surveillance video displaying Carmignani spraying Doty earlier than he started chasing him whereas wielding a metallic pipe.
Deputy Public Defender Kleigh Hathaway stated Carmignani had repeatedly doused unhoused individuals, together with Doty, with bear spray.
“Self-defense can be fierce, it can be effective and it can be disabling,” Hathaway stated. “And why wouldn’t it be? You’re fighting for your life.”
In closing arguments Tuesday, Assistant District Legal professional Kourtney Bell conceded that Carmignani had a historical past of aggression, saying that he might have used bear spray on unhoused individuals within the Marina District on a minimum of one event, the San Francisco Chronicle reported.
A confrontation between Carmignani and Doty began after Doty and two others arrange tents outdoors the house of Carmignani’s mother and father, who stay subsequent door to him within the upscale Marina District. Carmignani stated in an interview with KPIX-TV that he had requested Doty to maneuver away as a result of they had been blocking his dad or mum’s entryway.
He stated he referred to as 911 however nobody responded, so he went out to speak to the homeless individuals. and that the one factor he had on him was pepper spray.
“I didn’t go out there to fight anyone. I’m trying to get them down the road, go to the park,” Carmignani advised the tv station.
