By Don Glynn
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS —
When that murder suspect in the shooting outside a Buffalo restaurant surrendered to Channel 4 correspondent Rich Newberg on Wednesday, it reminded veteran attorney Paul Cambria of a case 18 years ago in Niagara County.
In an interview with WBEN’s Sandy Beach, Cambria recalled that a client of his — charged in a 1992 murder — went on the air with a Channel 2 reporter to proclaim that he didn’t commit the crime.
Instead, the accused insisted his girlfriend did it. She was indicted but eventually found not guilty.
In the short but informative radio interview, Cambria also condoned Erie County District Attorney Frank Sedita’s refusal to release a sketch or photo of the suspect in advance of the arrest.
“I know why Sedita did that,” Cambria said, “He didn’t want any defense attorney to argue that the sketch through the police suggested to the public who’s responsible for the crime. “And then if they (prosecution)
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tried to have an identification by a photograph or in a lineup, that could taint it (the process).
Does Cambria think attorneys will ask for a change of venue in this case? In fact, Cambria would pursue such a course.
He also was asked if race would be a factor in the jury selection. “Yes, definitely,” he replied, “We live in a community where we still don’t have a split on jury panels of minorities and non-minorities.”
He noted that the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that if the prosecution wants to strike (reject) a black as a juror, it must give a non-racial reason for the action.
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A GOOD CAUSE: Proceeds from this year’s Lewiston-Kiwanis Peach Festival 5K Run & 1-Mile Walk will benefit the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
The 32nd annual event is set for Sept. 11 on Center Street, Lewiston. The walk starts at 8:45 a.m. with the run slated at 9 a.m. Registration on race day will be at the Key Bank.
Tom Baia of Youngstown and Mimi Cacciatore of Lewiston have served as co-chairs for nearly three decades.
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WORD OF ADVICE: A driver for Modern Disposal Services said he got tired of one homeowner in Porter who kept running out of the house at the last minute, pulling the garbage and always shouting “Am I too late?” The driver said he finally told her last week, “No you’re right on time. Just jump in!”
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A RETURN VISIT: When Christine Wattam-Boules and her family strolled across the parade ground at Old Fort Niagara last weekend, it brought back many memories.
It was in 1959 that Christine was dubbed the “Belle of Fort Niagara,’” a central role in the bicentennial events marking the Siege of Fort Niagara during the French & Indian War. Selected through her high school for the one-time honor, Christine was considered an ideal candidate with her proficiency in French, a beautiful singing voice and a charming smile.
In her role a half-century ago, Christine traveled extensively across the Empire State to promote and represent the historic fort as part of the milestone.
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OUT OF THE PAST: A columnist trying to explain the downfall of Tiger Woods — aside from his personal problems — sought some input from a famous sportscaster who started his career in Buffalo more than 60 years ago.
That sportscaster, by the way, is Bill Mazer, 89, who earned his nickname “The A-Maz-In” for his indepth knowledge of sports. (I’m sure many people think Mazer died years ago.)
Mazer worked briefly for the CBS Network in New York in 1947 — as a commercial announcer for a soap opera — before he landed the sports director’s job for WGR Radio (550 am). He also was the principal sports anchor for the former WGR-TV (Channel 2) from the mid-1950s to the early 1960s.
As for rise and fall of Tiger’s golf game, Mazer told the inquiring columnist, “Woods can’t read the greens.”
Obviously for the past few months Tiger has had other things on his mind.
Contact reporter Don Glynn at 282-2311, ext. 2246.
