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Pocono News Section
Accused Killer will Head to Trial
Accused Killer will Head to Trial - Wednesday, August 13, 2008 at 4:45PM EST
Reported by: Laurie Monteforte
Wednesday, Aug 13, 2008 @ 04:45pm EST
STROUDSBURG - A judge has decided there is enough evidence to send an accused murderer's case to trial.
Some would call Fritz Gerald Dejoie a murderer. "It was not self defense in my view," said the victim's sister Ann Glassman.
The dozens of friends and family who came to support him in court say he's just a man who protected his own life. His attorney Robert Saurman said, "We believe Mister Dejoie acted appropriately for his own safety."
Police say the 21 year old from Blakeslee killed Steven Santillo. He was a 47 year old from Blakeslee. It happened last month on Hypsie Gap Road in Chestnuthill Township.
"The end result was driving down a very dark road in the middle of the night not knowing where he was," said Saurman.
Dejoie's attorneys say Santillo asked him to go on a ride deep into the woods, near state gamelands. Then the suspect said he noticed the victim had stolen his gun.
Dejoie says when he asked about it Santillo rushed at him with a flashlight.
Saurman said, "He's obviously very frightened. When someone rushes toward you in those circumstances you act to protect yourself."
Police say Dejoie then admitted he shot Santillo and ran over his body as he sped away."
Officer say he then dumped his weapon and other evidence over two different bridges in the Poconos.
"Basically Mister Dejoie panicked," said Saurman.
But Santillo's family says there's no excuse to kill someone who they loved. Glassman said, "He was a very good man and he should be honored as one in his death."
Dejoie's family had no comment.
Now it's up to a jury to decide whether Fritz Gerald Dejoie is a man who reacted properly to a crisis or a cold blooded criminal.
A trial date has not yet been set. | | |
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