SCHWARTZ SUCCESSFULLY DEFENDS DOCTOR IN MURDER TRIAL

On October 5, 2002, a Brooklyn jury found Antonio Casanova not guilty of the crime of murder in the second degree. Dr. Antonio Casanova, represented by defense attorney David M. Schwartz, maintained his innocence throughout the two year period of his incarceration. The trial lasted one month, whereby the District Attorney relied solely on circumstantial evidence.
The case originates from a fire that took place on July 22, 2000 at 27 Breevort Place in Brooklyn. This fire was intentionally set and led to the death of Ashley Simms. The owner of the building was Dr. Antonio Casanova. Dr. Casanova, was studying medicine in the Dominican Republic during the time period of the fire. The District Attorney presented evidence that Dr. Casanova flew into New York the night before the fire and flew back to Santa Domingo the night of the fire. He was observed with 1st and 2nd degree burns on his hand and face. The police claimed he lied to them about flying into New York. The District Attorney argued to the jury that Dr. Casanova sustained the burns by setting his building on fire on July 22, 2000 and fled to Santa Domingo when he realized that Ashley Simms was killed in the blaze.
Mr. Schwartz argued and presented evidence that Antonio Casanova was burned in a car accident that took place in Santa Domingo days before the fire. Mr. Schwartz presented pictures of the car that Dr. Casanova was driving during the accident. Mr. Schwartz found a witness from Santa Domingo, who testified that he was in the car when Casanova sustained the burns in the car accident. He further proved to the jury that Casanova flew in and out of New York on a constant basis and that it was a mere coincidence of the timing of his trip. Furthermore, Mr. Schwartz successfully argued that the reason why Casanova flew back to Santa Domingo was because the burns became infected and that he needed to be treated back home. Mr. Schwartz also brought in evidence that Casanova's burns had to be older, based on their smell. During summations, Mr. Schwartz argued that Casanova is "a healer, not a killer". The jury deliberated for three days before finally finding Casanova not guilty.