BUCYRUS, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—After a two-hour delay for attorney consultations in Judge Sean Leuthold’s chambers, an evidentiary hearing commenced in the upcoming trial of Bucyrus resident Thomas Brown.
Brown faces indictments for murder and involuntary manslaughter, with the unclassified murder charge alleging his intentional involvement in the death of Sean Cassaro on January 22, 2023.
During the hearing, Judge Leuthold addressed key aspects of the trial, including the potential jury selection process involving 110 citizens and the admissibility of crucial evidence such as body cam footage and autopsy photos.
The courtroom discussions also touched upon the clarity of jury instructions, the exclusion of certain expert witnesses, and the handling of prior convictions and personal histories of both the victim and the defendant.
Noteworthy decisions included excluding the state’s martial arts expert testimony and a cautious approach toward a strangulation expert’s report.
Judge Leuthold emphasized the need for transparency and preparation, warning against trial by ambush and emphasizing the importance of a fair and well-prepared legal process. Leuthold commended all the attorneys for being well-prepared and professional.
As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, both the prosecution and defense are gearing up with their respective strategies and expert testimonies.
The final pretrial session is scheduled for May 15, 2024, at 1 pm in the Crawford County Common Pleas Court, where final decisions will be made.
Crawford County Now is committed to covering all developments in this complex, high-profile case.