Litchfield, CT, Accused murderer of motorcycle gang member gets 2nd trial

OFF THE WIRE
BY: BRIGITTE RUTHMAN
Source: rep-am.com


LITCHFIELD — Unable to afford a private attorney as his murder case winds toward trial a second time, accused gunman Kevin Campbell will be represented by Christopher Cosgrove, a court-appointed public defender in Litchfield Superior Court.

A mistrial was declared in the summer of 2009 when jurors couldn't agree that Campbell was guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of killing fellow motorcycle gang member Roland Lagasse, 51, outside the Forbidden Motorcycle Club on Winsted Road in Torrington June 27, 2008.

Campbell claimed the shooting was accidental. Campbell and his brother James had been feuding with Lagasse over the club's bylaws. Lagasse was said to have been arguing with James outside the clubhouse about whether a new member of the club should receive his first year patch. A witness said Kevin Campbell drew his Smith & Wesson revolver after Lagasse slapped his brother across the face.

The 55-year-old Watertown man was charged with murder on the day of the shooting, but jurors were given the option of finding him guilty of lesser charges of first- or second-degree manslaughter or negligent homicide. He has been unable to post a $2 million bond.