Prosecution to rest in attempted murder case
New York Police Department Officer Anthony Battisti of Franklin Square is charged with first-degree murder in what prosecutors say was a murder-for-hire plot against his ex-wife, Patricia Battisti. (May 27, 2010) Credit: Newsday / Audrey C. Tiernan
Nassau County prosecutors are expected to rest Thursday afternoon in the attempted murder trial of Anthony Battisti, the New York City police officer accused of paying his handyman to kill his ex-wife over financial problems.
The last witness for the prosecution, Det. Sgt. Kenneth Strigaro, deputy commanding officer of the Nassau County police electronics squad, is continuing his testimony on tracking the movements of Battisti's cell phone on Jan. 23, 2009, the day that handyman Timothy Gersbeck wounded Patricia Battisti outside her Franklin Square home.
Gersbeck was caught immediately after the attack by Patricia Battisti's son and her then-boyfriend, who were both inside the house at the time. Gersbeck pleaded guilty and testified against Battisti last week, as did Patricia Battisti.
Defense attorney Stephen Scaring will open his case after district attorneys finish with Strigaro's testimony.
Prosecutors say Anthony Battisti, 43, offered Timothy Gersbeck $5,000 to kill his wife, Patricia, who survived an attack in January 2009.
Bernagozzi in court ... Free bus rides for Port Washington students ... LIU Post Friday classes ... $40 Citi Field sandwich
Bernagozzi in court ... Free bus rides for Port Washington students ... LIU Post Friday classes ... $40 Citi Field sandwich
