The murder trial of bar manager Jeffrey Basil began Thursday morning in an Erie County courtroom. Basil's accused of pushing William Sager down a flight of stairs inside Molly's Pub in May. WBFO'S Chris Caya was in the court room for opening statements.
It took just over an hour Thursday morning for both sides to make opening statements. The lead prosecutor Christopher Belling said Sager's life changed in less than a second.
"Bill Sager was the victim of this defendant who used a weapon. The weapon was a staircase," said Belling.
And Belling said a lot what happened is on video - including Basil entering a room where the video recorder was removed from.
Defense Attorney Joel Daniels said everyone in Molly's that night was drunk including the 28-year-old Sager and 36 year old Basil.
"No one intended -- I repeat intended to kill anyone and no one intended to seriously injury anyone," said Daniels.
Basil's charged with second degree murder, manslaughter and tampering with evidence. If convicted he faces a maximum life in prison.
