Man Pleads Not Guilty in Baseball Pitcher’s Death

By Sarah Harper

Published on June 12, 2009

Andrew Gallo, the 22-year-old man charged with murder in the DUI-related deaths of three victims (including Los Angeles Angels pitcher Nick Adenhart) plead not guilty Monday. His plea underscores his right to a fair trial, including the right to contest evidence against him.

The accident occurred in April in Fullerton, California (Orange County). Gallo ran a red light and struck a vehicle, killing Adenhart and two other victims and critically injuring a fourth. Authorities claim Gallo was driving drunk.

Gallo faces three counts of second-degree murder.

Gallo's attorney, Randall Longwith, will have to contest the evidence against Gallo: Gallo's blood alcohol level at the time of the accident; prosecutors' claim that he fled the crime scene; and his previous DUI-related charges. Longwith plans to improve Gallo's chances of obtaining a fair trial by seeking a change of venue for the court proceedings. (The trial is currently set to take place in Orange County.)

Authorities are detaining Gallo in lieu of $2 million bail. If convicted, Gallo could face life in prison. His trial is scheduled for late July.

Comment on this article →