Jonathan R. Duchatellier (Crusader file photo)

Manslaughter trial begins for former HC student, graduate

By: Stephen Kostrzewa

Posted: 1/30/04

The Superior Court trial of former Holy Cross students Paolo Liuzzo of Woodbury, NY and Daniel K. Clark on New York City began on February 24, 2003. He is charged with manslaughter, assault and battery. The charges stem from a May 5, 2002 altercation in which fellow Holy Cross student, 19-year-old Jonathan R. Duchatellier, was fatally injured.

The altercation, which took place inside the Cambridge Street Apartments at 510 Cambridge street, apparently began when Duchatellier attempted to intervene in an argument between Liuzzo, a sophomore at the time of the incident, and a woman. After an exchange of harsh words between Liuzzo and Duchatellier, the two were briefly separated only to physically assault each other several minutes later. While the details of the resulting row are unclear, the police later confirmed that no weapon was used. What is known is that the fight ended with Duchatellier unconscious on the floor with severe head injuries. Duchatellier was later discovered in the hall by several students, who carried him downstairs and called 911. He was taken to St. Vincent's Hospital where he arrived in cardiac arrest. Liuzzo was arrested and charged with assault and battery and intent to murder. On May 6, Duchatellier was pronounced dead at 1:20 p.m. after being removed from life support. The next day, a charge of manslaughter was added to Liuzzo's indictment.

Soon after, Clarke, 23, a recent Holy Cross graduate and Crusader wide receiver who had majored in Sociology and Anthropology, was also charged with manslaughter and assault and battery for his alleged role in the fight between Liuzzo and Duchatellier. Police had initially alerted Jacqueline Peterson, Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, that still other members of the college community might be charged with offenses relating to Duchatellier's death, but Clark and Liuzzo remain the only ones formally indicted.

The death of Duchatellier and the arrest of Liuzzo prompted members of the Worcester community to raise questions about the assault. Duchatellier's death came at the end of an especially violent year for Holy Cross. According to the college's own accounts, reported incidents of threats and violence rose from two in 2000-2001 to 17 during the 2001-2002 year. Councilwoman Barbara Haller openly questioned whether there was "a culture of permissiveness" at Holy Cross that had given rise to the incident and other clashes between students and the Worcester community. The story of the fatal assault was picked up by The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, The Boston Globe and the AP wire service.

The college administration strove to reassure the community. In a 2002 statement to The Crusader, Peterson stated, "There is no place for violence in this community and anyone who chooses to resort to violence will face considerable consequences." Liuzzo was placed on interim suspension from Holy Cross and banned from campus. He withdrew from the college soon after.

After their initial shock the Holy Cross community seemed to rally together in mutual support. Members of the campus group S.A.D.E.R strove to comfort Duchatellier's family. Nearly 900 students - one third of the student body - attended Duchatellier's funeral mass. Members of his NROTC squad fondly remembered his leadership.

Both Clark and Liuzzo have pled not guilty to all charges. Each is free on $10,000 bail. The original amount, set at $25,000, was reduced at Liuzzo's arraignment in 2002.

Liuzzo's trial was set to begin Jan. 22 at the Worcester County Courthouse. The Crusader will provide continuing coverage of the trial and its outcome.