Pal Threw Punch That Paralyzed Bartels: Witness

The lawyers for Joseph Messina, of New Lenox, are blaming one of his friends for punching Eric Bartels in July 2009, a blow that left him paralyzed. That buddy, however, is pleading the Fifth.

A bombshell witness took the stand in the case against New Lenox man Joseph Messina and accused one of their pals of throwing the fateful punch that put a Joliet man into a coma. Steve Raymond, of Frankfort, blamed mutual friend Michael Glielmi of punching Eric Bartels in July 2009. "This is what people don't know," Raymond said. "I saw Mike Glielmi punch Eric Bartels." READ: No Mistrial for Defendant in Coma Beating Case For his part, Glielmi, 24, showed up in court with Joliet attorney Steven Haney, who said his client would plead the Fifth Amendment if called to testify. "The advice is he's going to invoke his right to remain silent," Haney told Judge Sarah Jones. Haney told the judge that it was his "understanding" that Glielmi could …

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