Wlasiuk retrial delayed after family car crash

NORWICH _ Peter Wlasiuk's murder retrial was recessed Thursday morning because his three daughters and his father were involved in a motor vehicle accident late Wednesday afternoon.

According to the Chenango County Sheriff's Department, Thomas Wlasiuk, 65, and his three granddaughters were driving in a 1997 Dodge minivan when they collided with a 1999 Oldsmobile at the intersection of state Route 8 and Shumway Hill Road in Guilford.

On Thursday night, Thomas Wlasiuk, who has custody of his granddaughters, said Rebecca, 9, sustained a hairline fracture of the leg, and Ashlee, 15, a hairline fracture of the collarbone.

Jolynn, 11, remained in the hospital under observation Thursday night, but was likely to be released today, he said.

``This, we didn't need,'' said Wlasiuk, who injured his ankles, chest and hand, ``but I suppose it could have been worse.''

The other driver, Edward M. Arenth, 20, of Greene, was airlifted to Wilson Memorial Hospital in Johnson City after sustaining ``hip and lower abdominal injuries,'' police stated. Late Thursday afternoon, a nursing supervisor at Wilson said no one by that name was still at the hospital.

According to Chenango County Sgt. Ted Ellingsen, Arenth was ticketed for failure to yield the right of way.

Meanwhile, in Chenango County Court on Thursday morning, Peter Wlasiuk's attorney, Randel Scharf of Cooperstown, disclosed news of the accident to Broome County Judge Martin Smith, who is presiding at the retrial.

Smith, Scharf and county District Attorney Joseph McBride discussed whether they would proceed with opening statements. Ultimately, Smith decided to recess until Tuesday morning, when the trial will commence at 8:30 a.m.

Wlasiuk, 39, is accused of killing his wife, Patricia Wlasiuk, in April 2002, then driving her body into Guilford Lake to make her death seem accidental. He was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison in 2003.

Two years ago, however, his conviction was overturned and a retrial was ordered. It is slated to continue on a Tuesday-through-Thursday schedule for the rest of September.

Before adjourning Thursday, Smith and the attorneys discussed a couple of potential problems involving jurors. One, employed by the U.S. Postal Service, has a supervisor who considers the juror too valuable to leave work.

``Did she suggest that because you're so indispensable, she'll give you a substantial raise?'' Smith asked the juror.

The juror said no, and the judge said he would call the postal supervisor and apprise her of the importance of jury service.

Scharf said another juror may have been in contact with a witness in this case. That juror remained seated as Smith instructed them on their duties during the trial, warned them not to visit scenes of the alleged crime, then let them go home.

Several reporters and photographers, including a crew from the CBS show ``48 Hours,'' were in the courtroom Thursday.

Photos

The spot where the pickup truck carrying Patricia Wlasiuk entered Guilford Lake in April 2002 is seen by the sign near Route 35. (Star photo by Tom Grace)