The Daily Collegian

Issue date: 9/2/08 Section: News

Media Credit: Brian Tedder/Collegian

Jason Vassell will now have to wait a bit longer to learn his fate.

Vassell, 23, charged with aggravated assault with a dangerous weapon after a Feb. 3 incident on the University of Massachusetts campus, walked into Hampshire Superior Court on July 24 expecting a trial date and to be one step closer to his freedom.

But the court appointment lasted just minutes, as the pre-trial date was moved to Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. An attorney in the District Attorney's office took over the case a few days prior, necessitating more time and the later date.

Vassell did receive good news, though. His curfew was eliminated, which allows the former University of Massachusetts student to work mornings. The DA's office had no objection.

At the new pre-trial hearing, any outstanding discovery issues will be addressed, the status of both sides in regards to trial preparation will be assessed and any pre-trial motions will be heard in before Judge C. Brian McDonald. Also, a trial date will tentatively be set. Vassell's lawyer, David B. Hoose, expects that to be sometime in Nov. or Dec., perhaps later.

The courtroom was at full capacity during the short hearing, and a group of over 100 supporters convened with Vassell, his family and his lawyers afterward in a separate courtroom to discuss the case. Vassell's sister, Tiffany, spoke briefly and thanked those in attendance.

"It means so much to have all of you here," she said crying. "The past seven months have been difficult, but we've been pulling through. We'll just pray that you guys continue to support us because we really need it."

The incident, which occurred at approximately 5 a.m. on Feb. 3 at Mackimmie Residence Hall in Southwest, ultimately resulted in two arrests. Vassell was arrested about nine hours after the incident, while John Bowes, 20, was later charged with assault and battery with purpose of civil rights violation. Jonathan Bosse, 19, was never charged.

Bowes and Bosse, both Caucasian non-UMass students, allegedly started yelling racial epithets at Vassell, an African-American. They then gained unwanted access into Vassell's dormitory, and a fight followed that resulted in a broken nose for Vassell pocket knife stab wounds for Bowes and Bosse.

Bowes's charges were reduced to a charge of a civil rights violation. He faces a December trial in Belchertown District Court. The D.A.'s office will likely need Vassell's cooperation to prosecute the matter, but Hoose is advising his client not to do so.

Continued...

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