An Ohio University alumnus wants the son of a former congressional candidate to fork over more than $1 million for stabbing him twice after a fraternity party in 2007.
Donald David Miller, who graduated from Ohio University last spring, sued Brandon O'Neil in 2008. O'Neill's father, William, is a former appellate judge who ran against Rep. Steven C. LaTourette (R-Bainbridge Township) in 2008.
Miller accused O'Neill of stabbing him twice with a four-inch-long pocketknife. The civil trial began yesterday with witness testimony.
In the early hours of Jan. 13, 2007, O'Neill and two friends were attending a party at the Delta Upsilon fraternity house, according to witness testimony. After arguing with the fraternity members over a keg of beer, residents of the house told O'Neil and his friends to leave the party.
O'Neil and his friends began to leave the property, but continued to argue with Miller and fraternity members, who followed O'Neill across the street, according to witness testimony.
At some point during the argument, one of O'Neill's friends attacked Miller with a chain wrapped around his fist, striking him several times in the back and side, witnesses said.
One of Miller's friends attacked the man holding the chain in an attempt to defend Miller, witnesses told the jury. O'Neil then ran at Miller with a knife and stabbed him once in the stomach and again on the right side of his chest.
At trial, O'Neil admitted to carrying the knife but said he brandished the blade to scare away Miller and his friends, who had pushed him to the ground and were kicking and punching him.
O'Neil added that he doesn't think he stabbed Miller, but that if he did, it was an accident.
So far, nobody has supported O'Neill's testimony that he brandished the knife in self-defense. Other witnesses, all of whom know Miller but not O'Neill, say he rushed at Miller. O'Neill's two friends who witnessed the fight will testify today. The jury should begin deliberations tomorrow.
Miller asked the jury for $25,000 for physical damages and $1,000,000 for pain and suffering, as well as attorney's fees, but another party has an interest in the case.
If O'Neil stabbed Miller by accident, the State Farm Fire and Casualty Company must pay Miller's medical bills and any damages. But if O'Neill stabbed Miller intentionally, the company isn't responsible, and O'Neill must pay Miller damages.
1 News
Frank Thomas
