Arguments continue in Damonte hit-run trial

Wednesday, Oct. 8, 1997 | 10:51 a.m.

The testimony from Joe Tresnit and Les McElroy came in the second day of testimony in the trial of Audrey Damonte, charged with driving away after hitting and killing a pedestrian last December.

They were among several witnesses called by the prosecution. Defense witnesses included Washoe District Judge Peter Breen, who testified to Damonte's good character.

Damonte, 33, has said she heard a thump but didn't realize she had hit a person with her car.

District Attorney Noel Waters argues that Damonte, who turned herself in several hours after Don Ferris, 42, was struck and killed, was obligated to stop because she knew she had hit something.

Defense lawyer Bill Maddox contends that the state's hit-and-run laws are ambiguous and that Damonte was not legally required to stay at the scene because she didn't realize she had hit a person.

Senior Judge Carl Christensen of Las Vegas is presiding over the trial, which is expected to last all week.

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