David Newbeck murder trial delayed by defense attorney's illness
David Newbeck, 36, of Massapequa, was charged with second-degree murder in connection with the Aug. 23, 2010 death of Mandy Jo Jenkins. Credit: SCPD
Four days after a defense attorney fainted during his closing argument in a murder trial, it is unclear when the trial will resume.
After William Keahon collapsed Friday afternoon, Suffolk County Court Judge John Toomey Jr. told jurors hearing the second-degree murder case against David Newbeck to return to court Monday. But Keahon, 69, was kept at the Peconic Bay Medical Center in Riverhead until Sunday and then was readmitted to the hospital on Monday.
The soonest the case will resume is Thursday, but it may not go on until next week.
Newbeck, 36, of Massapequa, is accused of shooting Mandy Jo Jenkins, 30, four times in the head at the North Amityville warehouse where she lived with her boyfriend, Joseph DeFelice. Prosecutors say DeFelice set her up to be killed by Newbeck, who they say wanted her dead because she wouldn't withdraw an identity theft charge against his girlfriend.
DeFelice was convicted last fall.
Keahon had spoken for about 21/2 hours Friday in the Riverhead courtroom when he passed out.
Assistant District Attorney Robert Biancavilla said Tuesday he's ready to resume the case as soon as Toomey gives the word.
"I've been prepared to give my closing argument since Friday," he said. "This just gives me more time to refine my argument."
New hope for justice Theresa Cerney's killing is one of at least 66 cases of dead women being reviewed by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney's new cold case unit. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn and Newsday investigative reporter Sandra Peddie have this exclusive story.
New hope for justice Theresa Cerney's killing is one of at least 66 cases of dead women being reviewed by Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney's new cold case unit. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn and Newsday investigative reporter Sandra Peddie have this exclusive story.
