Massachusetts Man Found Not Guilty of Nearly Biting Friend’s Ear Off

A Winthrop High School assistant football coach has been acquitted of charges that he bit someone’s ear in Massachusetts. Charges included two counts of aggravated assault and battery and mayhem. Had Richard Fucillo been convicted, he could have served up to 20 years in prison.

Fucillo, 46, was accused of biting the ear of George Sennott, who he believed was carrying on an affair with his estranged wife. Fucillo, his wife, and Sennott have known each other since grade school.

The altercation took place on March 2007.

Sennott accused Fucillo of flying into a jealous rage because he believed that Sennott was having an affair with his wife and biting his ear so viciously that it nearly tore off. He needed 150 stitches to repair the damage to is ear.

Police say they saw Fucillo jump out of a car while driving down Washington Street and attacking Sennott. Fucillo’s Massachusetts criminal defense attorney, however, says that Sennott had instigated the fight and started assaulting Fucillo first.

Fucillo claims that he was acting in self-defense. He says he did not bite Sennott’s ear. Forensic experts say the injuries caused to Sennott’s ear were not bite-related. Fucillo says that Sennott may have gotten his ear caught in his jacket zipper during the fight.

The Suffolk Superior Court jury issued its not guilty verdict on Wednesday.

Massachusetts assault charges can lead to serious penalties if you are convicted. A good Boston assault attorney can defend you against the charges or determine whether any charges can be dropped or your sentence reduced. If you have been convicted of a crime, you will need a Massachusetts criminal defense lawyer to file your appeal.

Jury acquits man in ear-biting case, Boston.com, April 29, 2008
Police: Football Coach Nearly Bit Man’s Ear Off, WJZ.com, March 19, 2007

Related Web Resource:

Massachusetts General Laws

Contact Altman & Altman LLP today.

Contact Information