Statement by State’s Attorney Glasgow in Joseph Messina Case

January 3

The statement below may be attributed to Will County State’s Attorney James Glasgow in regard to People vs. Joseph Messina, 09CF1669:

“This was a senseless and unprovoked act of aggression on the part of Joseph Messina that literally destroyed Eric Bartels’ life. The defendant’s conduct – striking the victim while he lay helpless on the ground and then cheering victoriously over him – reflects the culture of violence woven into every aspect of our entertainment and media,” said State’s Attorney James Glasgow. “Fortunately, Judge Jones found him guilty after weighing the totality of the evidence as well as the crediblility of defense witnesses.  She wisely saw through the fraudulent statements made by a defense witness, who changed his story in order to blame someone else three years after the crime.”