Prosecution rests in retired Phoenix bishop's hit-and-run case

Published: 2004-02-03

PHOENIX (CNS) -- After two weeks of testimony, the prosecution rested its case Feb. 2 in the trial of retired Phoenix Bishop Thomas J. O'Brien for a June hit-and-run traffic death. A few days earlier, the judge denied a defense motion for a mistrial and the bishop's family members described his mood after he heard police wanted to talk to him about the fatal accident. Bishop O'Brien's attorneys were expected to begin presenting their defense case Feb. 4. Witnesses testifying during the second week of the prosecution's case included Bishop O'Brien's sister and nephew, who were having dinner with him when he learned that police wanted to talk to him about the June 14 accident. Jim L. Reed, 43, was struck, apparently by two cars, and killed while attempting to cross a busy street in mid-block after dark. Witnesses helped police trace the first car to Bishop O'Brien. The second car has never been found. Bishop O'Brien was arrested at his home two days after the accident. He resigned as bishop of Phoenix June 18.

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