Justin Gillingham trial

April 17, 2009 | Uncategorized

Justin Gillingham

Justin Gillingham, 24, of Oneonta, was tried in April 2009 in Cooperstown before state Supreme Court Justice Michael Coccoma. He was accused of first-degree rape, second-degree attempted murder and second-degree assault in connection with the alleged attack of a 23-year-old SUNY Oneonta senior at about 2:40 a.m. May 16, 2008, on a dark path between the campus and Clinton Street in the city.

On April 21, 2009, Gillingham was acquitted of the rape and attempted murder charges. While the jury convicted him of assault, it found him guilty of a misdemeanor rather than a felony. That crime brings a maximum sentence of a year in jail. After the verdict, Gillingham was released on his own recognizance.

Gillingham was prosecuted by Otsego County District Attorney John Muehl and was defended by Public Defender Richard “Otto” Rothermel.

Below is coverage as provided by The Daily Star:

April 22, 2009: Gillingham is a free man

April 21, 2009: Jury begins deliberations

April 20, 2009: Final arguments, then jury to receive case

April 18, 2009: Defendant says he only punched woman

April 17, 2009: Witness: No DNA linking suspect to rape

April 16, 2009: Several police officers testify

April 15, 2009: Alleged victim takes stand in trial

April 14, 2009: Opening statements made

April 14, 2009: Jury selection nearly complete on trial’s first day

April 10, 2009: After nearly a year, trial is days away

June 25, 2008: DA says rape was nearly fatal

June 24, 2008: After indictment, Gillingham pleads not guilty

May 21, 2008: Court date set

May 20, 2008: Police say alleged rape victim fought back

May 17, 2008: Arrest made, charges filed in rape case (second item)