Ewing man found not guilty in killing outside Trenton diner
October 25, 2013 - The Times of Trenton - Jon Offredo
A Ewing man accused of killing another man with a single punch during a dispute outside Pat’s Diner in 2010 was found not guilty of manslaughter this afternoon. Brian Richardson, 43, hit Jamie Gustavo Gomez in the face after an argument escalated outside the diner in Trenton on Nov. 21, 2010, prosecutors said. Gomez's head hit the ground and he later died of his injuries. Richardson's attorney Raymond Staub argued during the trial that his client was defending himself and defended his family. “I think the jury could feel the fear," Staub said this afternoon. "He was in a parking lot, he was surrounded. My client tried to retreat in every way,” I think the jury identified with being in a situation when you are outnumbered. We all have the right to defend ourselves. That’s the essence of self defense,” he said. The Middlesex County Prosecutor's Office, which prosecuted the case, did not immediately return a call seeking comment. Though much of the evidence was surveillance camera footage inside and outside the diner, Staub and Middlesex Assistant Prosecutor Douglas Herring presented different accounts of the events that led to Gomez's death. In his closing arguments yesterday, Herring said Richardson did not set out to kill someone that night, but it was his reckless actions that led to Gomez's death, which was reason enough to convict him of manslaughter. The Middlesex prosecutor handled the case because Richardson's wife was an employee at the Mercer County Prosecutor's Office, a spokeswoman for the office said.
Burlington Man acquitted in 2009 attempted murder charge
January, 18, 2012 - The Trentonian - By Lisa Coryell
TRENTON – Jurors yesterday acquitted a Burlington County man charged with attempted murder in the Jan. 2009 stabbing of his daughters boyfriend. Ray Marks, Sr., 54, of Mount Laurel was also found not guilty of aggravated assault and weapons offenses in the stabbing of 60 year old Wilbert Harrington during an argument on West State Street in Trenton. It took jurors just under two days of dilberations to acquit Marks after a four-day trial. During the trial Marks’ daughter – who married Harrington after the stabbing – testified as a witness for the State. Prosecutor’s said Marks stabbed Harrington after Harrington shoved Marks’ daughter during an altercation that occurred while Marks was moving from his apartment. Defense attorney Raymond Staub of Destribats Campbell, argued that after Harrington shoved the woman, he attacked Marks. Staub said Marks stabbed Harrington in self defense, using a knife he was carrying for moving purposes. “I think the jury made the right call,” Staub said. “My client will now try to heal his family. At least he can put this part behind him.” Staub said he will petition to reinstate Marks’ nursing license, which was suspended after he was charged. Marks stood trial with his son, Ray Marks, Jr., who was charged with aggravated assault for allegedly hitting Harrington during the incident. After the state rested its case, defense attorney Jeff Broderick won a motion to have the indictment against the younger Marks dismissed.
2009 LAWYER OF THE YEAR: RAYMOND STAUB
(The Trentonian Awards 2009)
Raymond C. Staub was born and raised in the Villa Park section of Trenton. He was educated in the catholic schools of Trenton (Sacred Heart) and Hamilton (McCorristin High School). After high school Staub attended Seton Hall University, where he obtained a bachelor of arts degree. In 1990 he went to law school at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., obtaining his Juris Doctorate in 1993. After law school Staub was a law clerk in Mercer County Superior Court for the then presiding criminal Judge, The Honorable Thomas DeMartin. Staub was a prosecutor for the City of Trenton for seven years (1994-2000) and a partner at the City based law firm of Staub and Sumners. He is currently a partner with the Hamilton based law firm of Destribats Campbell Magee Staub & Burns, LLC, where he handles indictable criminal matters (state and federal), municipal court matters (DWI, disorderly persons offenses and traffic violations), administrative law hearings, employment/discrimination matters, general civil litigation and expungements.
Trenton Man Acquitted of Attempted Murder
by Linda Stein/The Times - Thursday October 23, 2008
A 52-year-old Trenton man hugged his defense lawyer and wiped tears from his eyes after a jury acquitted him of attempted murder and other charges on Thursday. John Paul Jones, of Bellevue Avenue, had been charged after a fight with another man after a cabaret at a Ewing firehouse on April 2, 2006. Both men had been drinking before the altercation. The victim, Robert Wynn, 40, of Ewing admitted that he swore at Jones and threw the first punch. Wynn, who was stabbed in the heart, stomach and neck, almost died, according to testimony from an emergency room doctor. "Thank God it's over," Jones said, after the verdict. The five-man, seven-woman jury deliberated for about three hours over two days before reaching its verdict. Superior Court Judge Thomas Kelly told Jones that he was free to go. His lawyer, Raymond C. Staub, who argued that his client had acted in self-defense, said, "I'm very happy for Mr. Jones. I think the jury system works and this proves it. I think they had a tough case to decide and ultimately, this was the right decision. I'm thrilled for Mr. Jones and his family." Assistant Prosecutor Jeffrey Rubin said he accepts the jury's decision.