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Corasanti trial continues this week

James Corasanti listens to opening statements
Pool photos provided by Buffalo News
James Corasanti listens to opening statements

The trial of Dr. James Corasanti resumes in Erie County Court Monday.

The Getzville man faces several charges including vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene after his car struck a teenager on a skateboard on Heim Road in Amherst.

Dozens of witnesses are expected to testify, including Corasanti's neighbors.

Erie County District Attorney Homicide Bureau Chief James Bargnesi said during opening statements last week Dr. Corasanti was texting moments before his car struck and killed 18-year-old Alix Rice.

Bargnesi said a court ordered test will show the 56-year-old doctor's blood alcohol count was still over the legal limit hours later.

"This defendant admitted that he was drunk," Bargnesi said in court.

Defense Attorney Joel Daniels insists Corasanti is not guilty of any crimes and will be testifying in his own defense.

"He'll tell you his car was under control. He was not driving at any high speed. He was not going fast. He was not driving recklessly," Daniels offered.

"You'll hear from him, he just panicked."

Bargnesi said neighbors who tracked down Corasanti are among the witnesses who will be testifying.

"He says to those neighbors, 'I've ruined my life. I've ruined my career.'"
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Daniels calls it a tragic, heartbreaking accident, but he said no one can bring Alix back.
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