He's been tried twice for the same heinous crime, and, twice, Chester Norales has gotten off. In December of 2015, the 38 year old was accused of beating up his 93 year old neighbor, Patrick Grant - and then burglarizing the old man's home.
The first trial seemed straightforward enough - and - even at his advanced age - Grant himself went to testify. But police didn't have the case file, and so the charges were withdrawn in December 2016.
But, the southside commander at the time, ACP Chester Williams re-instated them and re-arrested Norales. Well now, that trial has ended in an acquittal - meaning he has been found not guilty and cannot be re-arrested or re-tried.
The fault this time wasn't with the police, but with the main witnesses. They are both dead. Patrick Grant died four months ago, and his daughter Gilda Diaz - who was to testify about the television Norales allegedly stole - died a few weeks ago.
So today, Chief Magistrate, Sharon Fraser, explained to Noralez that he only got off due to insufficient evidence since Gilda Diaz's wasn't there to testify. With that she acquitted him of the charges of burglary and grievous harm.
The 38 year old Noralez would only smile when he was told he was free finally of the charges.
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