Jim Leyritz Not Guily Manslaughter Charge

After less than an hour of deliberations jurors agreed on the verdict of not guilty for former World Series hero Jim Leyritz on the charge of manslaughter. The charge of DUI would not be so easy to reach a decision they all agreed on. One female juror held out against the other five male jurors, wanting a full acquittal. Finally she gave in and the verdict Guilty of misdemeanor DUI for former World Series hero Jim Leyritz was announced. Leyritz, was charged with two counts of vehicular manslaughter while driving under the influence after a car collision in 2007 killed 30-year-old Fredia Veitch. 

Much of the evidence that could have helped the defense was withheld. This included that Fredia Veitch was not wearing a seat belt, the extent of her drinking that night, she may have been text messaging at the time of the accident, she was not wearing a seatbelt, and she may have had her lights off. The judge found in pre-trial litigation this information was irrelevant in determining whether Leyritz caused the accident by running a red light.

The judge tossed out count one: DUI manslaughter based on impairment, and first commented on this charge once the prosecution rested their case. In the end he found insufficient evidence for this charge to go to the jury.  The judge did allow DUI manslaughter based on Leyritz's blood alcohol content (BAC), would go to the jury.

In Session  spoke with Jim Leyritz on Monday to get his reaction to the verdict. He’s obviously thankful and relieved the ordeal is over. He expressed his feelings immediately following the end of the trial when he embraced the jurors with a hug in the same place the sat throughout the trial. He then retrieved the photo of his sons from his breast jacket and shares it with the jurors who had just returned the verdict of not guilty on the more serious charged of DUI manslaughter.

Former World Series hero Jim Leyritz stated more than once his continued belief in the justice system. When asked about the evidence that was withheld from the trial he said its part of our justice system and rather than not agreeing with it he stated it was more a lack of understanding a person lacking a legal education can have of the system. He did comment in a nice way on the actions one would consider dirty for the local law enforcement. He stated amongst other things the officers committed perjury on the stand. It was not stated as bluntly.

Leyritz stated he planned to move to California and hopefully become active with one of the major baseball teams out there. He planned on minimal participation the first year while his sons adjusted to the move then hopefully obtain a position doing what he loves by coaching.

Jim Leyritz former World Series hero sold his World Series rings while he was in the need of funds. We found out he has had projects in the work even leading up to the trial the previous three years. Apparently a book was being written on Leyritz about leaving baseball and raising his sons with a purpose for inspiration.

After the accident the former World Series hero Jim Leyritz wrote a letter to the victim’s family. The victim’s family’s lawyer questioned who wrote the letter and its underlying motives. The lawyer stated Leyritz had not fulfilled what he promised in his letter. Leyritz on the contrary stated he has and has had the behavior of giving back prior to the accident.