SYRACUSE (AP) -- A Central New York judge scolded the parents of a man killed in a fight outside a bar during sentencing for one of the defendants.
A jury on Wednesday acquitted 23-year-old Carl Ott of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter in the stabbing of 18-year-old Wesley Valentine in February 2008. Otts claimed he acted in self-defense after Valentine attacked his friend, Christopher Barry.
After the verdict, Joseph and Charlene Valentine criticized the jury, police and prosecutors, saying the justice system failed their son.
"We're shocked, totally shocked," Charlene Valentine said following the verdict. "We don't understand how a jury came to this decision. We are disgusted with the way the justice system works."
On Friday, Judge Anthony Aloi defended the jury verdict as he sentenced Barry, 23, to one year in jail for destroying evidence after the fatal fight.
Aloi took sharp exception to the Valentine's post-verdict comments. He said their criticism, although understandable, was "outrageous." The judge repeatedly noted Wesley Valentine touched off the entire episode by attacking Barry.
After listening to a good portion of the judge's lecture, the Valentines stood up and walked out of court.
Otts, too, was convicted of evidence tampering and will be sentenced May 20. He could get a maximum of 1 1/3 to four years in state prison.
Assistant District Attorney Christine Garvey said she thought the judge's comments were harsh given what the family continues to go through.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
