Monday, August 15, 2011

** Suspects in beating of California paramedic plead not guilty

** US combat medic LODD from Georgia laid to rest

UNITED STATES NEWS

** Despite allegedly already admitting they beat California paramedic Bryan Stow outside Dodger Stadium in March, two suspects in the case have pleaded not guilty. The Santa Cruz Sentinel (Danny Wood/August 11) said Louie Sanchez, 28, and Marvin Norwood, 30, entered their pleas at an arraignment hearing Wednesday. According to the newspaper, the brief hearing played out with a judge also denying a request to allow cameras in the courtroom. Victim Bryan Stow, meanwhile, continues to recover from brain injuries sustained in the attack. Stow, who can now pucker his lips and lift his leg and arm, has had a prosthetic bone flap placed in his skull. In recent weeks, fluid build-up in Stow’s brain has been a constant battle.

** Funeral services were held Saturday for a Georgia combat medic killed August 12th in Afghanistan. WMAZ (August 9) said the service for Spc. Mark J. Downer, of Warner Robins, was held at the Southside Baptist Church. Downer, 23, died in Kandahar province from injuries suffered during a rocket propelled grenade attack. He was based out of Fort Drum, New York.