Verdict reached in Bigornia case
Campus Times
February 7, 1997
Sophomore David Riffle was convicted and sophomore Eric Britton was
acquitted yesterday at 2:30 p.m. on two misdemeanor counts stemming from
a 1996 attack on senior Jamie Bigornia.
After deliberating for less than six hours, the jury found Riffle guilty
of one count of violating Bigornia's civil rights and another count of battery.
On the night of March 29, Bigornia called La Verne Police Department
to inform them that he had been assaulted by two La Verne students at Nick's
Place, a bar in downtown La Verne, allegedly because of Bigornia's homosexuality.
During the trial, Riffle did admit that he and Bigornia had a fight,
but his argument was that Bigornia provoked the fight.
"The altercation was just a fight. We both fought each other. It
had nothing to do with him being gay," said Riffle.
"I feel that I was wrongfully accused. I knew Eric was innocent.
We were both innocent. I can't see how the jury would believe what we both
said [on the stand] and found Eric not guilty and me guilty," he said.
"I think Britton was guilty. I think everyone knows that he was
guilty," said Catherine Lombardo, Bigornia's attorney.
Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County Dan O'Connell said, "The
evidence wasn't as strong against Britton. People witnessed Riffle punch
Bigornia. Also, witnesses heard Riffle utter the words."
"I was disappointed that Britton was acquitted. Juries do a lot
of illogical things," said Lombardo.
Britton and Riffle both felt that there were inconsistencies with Bigornia's
story.
"His story changed all the time. He had three to four different
stories," said Britton.
"Bigornia got up and said 10 blatant lies on the stand. He said
'I don't know' and 'I don't remember' 58 times," said Riffle.
Bigornia could not be reached for comment.
The restraining orders filed by Bigornia against Riffle and Britton
last April will remain in effect for three years.
Sentencing for Riffle will be on Thursday, Feb. 13, at Pomona Superior
Court. Riffle has 30 days to file an appeal.
Echelle Avelar, Lori Cruz, Araceli Esparza, Raechel Fittante and
Andrea Gardner also contributed to this story.