A deadly case of road rage caught by a surveillance camera in December 2010 is before the courts this week, where the images tell different stories, according to each lawyer.
Jeffrey Lindor, who is free on bail during the trial, is charged with the second-degree murder of George De Castro, for using his car as a weapon.
The evidence is mostly from a surveillance video that shows Lindor driving on Laurier Ave. near 18th Ave. in Rosemont when he encounters De Castro, also driving.
Lindor steps out of his car and grabs something from the trunk, but De Castro confronts him, and a fight ensues. Seconds later, Lindor retreats to his vehicle, backing away.
De Castro is then seen running after him, even trying to hold on to the car. Lindor then stops his car, puts it in forward and runs over the victim. De Castro hits the windshield before landing on the street. Lindor continues driving.
De Castro was taken to hospital, where he died a few hours later. Not long after, Lindor turned himself in to police.
The prosecution claims that it's obvious Lindor purposely ran over his victim, but the defence said it's the opposite, that Lindor was acting in self-defence.
Defence lawyer Clemente Monterosso told the jury he plans to show that the victim was heavily intoxicated with alcohol, cocaine and marijuana, and that he's the one who was chasing Lindor, who was simply trying to escape.
Monteresso also seeks to prove the defendant actually tried to avoid De Castro, something the images don't show.
One eyewitness actually testified he saw the white car actually swerving to the left, possibly to avoid the collision.
The trial is expected to last two weeks. Lindor will take the stand in his own defence.
