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Drunk or Murdered? Cause of Death Disputed in Trial
21 Jul
Summary
- A man's death is disputed, with prosecutors alleging murder and defense citing intoxication.
- The victim had a blood alcohol content of 0.332%, significantly over Ohio's legal limit.
- Defense attorneys claim other factors like fentanyl or pneumonia caused the death.
A trial is currently examining the cause of Vincente McCalister's death, with prosecutors accusing Labhruinn Freeman of murder.
On August 12, 2025, McCalister was observed stumbling and smelling of alcohol at a Circle K before purchasing beer. Witness Wendy Derita testified that she saw Freeman shaking McCalister, who appeared unresponsive, and yelling for him to wake up.
McCalister was placed on the ground, and Freeman began performing chest compressions while on the phone with 911. Derita noted blood coming from McCalister's mouth and a bloody injury to the back of his head.
The 59-year-old McCalister died on August 23, 2025. Defense attorneys argue that severe ethanol intoxication, with a blood alcohol content of 0.332%, along with potential fentanyl exposure or pneumonia, led to his death. They deem the observed head injury insufficient to cause his death, disputing the prosecution's claims before Summit County Common Pleas Court Judge Susan Baker Ross.
