Teacher Found Not Guilty of Assaulting Girlfriend
By James O’Malley, Staff Writer
Despite raising concerns about the alleged victim’s injuries, a Bucks County judge has acquitted a Neshaminy High School teacher accused of assault.
David Ferrara, 46, of Langhorne, was found not guilty Tuesday of simple assault after two days of a bench trial.
Ferrara’s girlfriend, a 40-year-old woman, who was visibly red and bruised from head to toe, testified she had been attacked by Ferrara. The Fulls Hill Road resident said she was disturbed by the graphic photos of the injuries she sustained during the incident.
Judge John J. Rufe said in rendering his choice that the district attorney failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Ferrara had intentionally caused the woman’s injuries while firmly up against her.
After considering the evidence presented by both the prosecution and defense, Judge Rufe concluded that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Ferrara and his attorney, Louis Busico, expressed relief at the verdict. “I am very pleased that the court recognized the lack of evidence to support these charges,” Busico said.
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Probation in Bensalem Fatality
By James O’Malley, Staff Writer
Jennifer Coyle of Philadelphia pleaded no contest to involuntary manslaughter and DUI in the death of Andrew Miller in Bensalem.
A Northeast Philadelphia woman will spend up to five years on probation for a hit-and-run crash that killed a Lower Bucks man.
Jennifer Coyle, 33, pleaded no contest Wednesday in Bucks County Court to misdemeanor counts of involuntary manslaughter and driving under the influence.
Police say the woman was traveling on the evening of July 10 when she struck a dark object on the road. The woman allegedly exited her vehicle looking for what she hit but found nothing. The next morning, Coyle told police she also called her husband, who came to the site of the crash and similarly could not find what Coyle had hit.
Police say the woman’s SUV had a damaged headlight and Coyle told officers she found a side mirror following the crash.
Miller’s body was discovered by a bicyclist the next day in a creek near the area where police say the crash occurred. Miller, 33, was reported missing when he did not return after leaving his home.
The woman told police she thought she had hit a dark object when she returned her gaze to the road.
In court papers, the police reported Coyle had seen a “dark object” while driving but did not see it when she returned to look again.
A plea of no contest is not an admission of guilt but rather a defendant’s acknowledgment that prosecutors have enough evidence to support a conviction.
In accepting the plea, Bucks County Senior Judge John Rufe ordered her to spend five years on probation, complete 100 hours of community service, and attend alcohol treatment programs.
Coyle’s attorney, Louis Busico, said his client is remorseful and eager to make amends.
“But for her cooperation and assistance, this case might never have been solved,” Busico said.
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These cases highlight the importance of skilled legal representation and the impact of a dedicated defense attorney. Louis Busico’s commitment to justice and fair outcomes ensures that his clients receive the best possible defense in the legal system.
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