Dodgers Stadium Attack: Men Acquitted After elton John Concert Incident
LOS ANGELES – May 11, 2024 – After an intense jury trial, Chad Reeves and Reese Hopkin were acquitted of all charges in the Dodgers Stadium attack. the incident unfolded in the stadium parking lot following a 2022 Elton John concert, involving the alleged assault of a couple. Defense attorneys asserted their clients’ innocence, and the legal proceedings have concluded. The Grenfells, who claim to be victims, have also sued, highlighting security issues. For more details, read on.
Dodgers Stadium Attack: Men Acquitted After Elton John Concert Incident
The Verdict
Chad Reeves, 44, and Reese Hopkin, 40, have been acquitted of battery and vandalism charges following a four-week jury trial. The charges stemmed from a brutal attack in the Dodgers stadium parking lot after a 2022 Elton john concert. The jury found both men not guilty of battery causing serious injury to Jaime and Lillian Grenfell, a married couple in their 60s.Hopkin was also found not guilty of vandalism related to a bystander’s cell phone that was broken during the incident.
The Allegations
The incident occurred Nov. 17, 2022, and the pair were charged in 2023 after a video went viral. Prosecutors alleged that Hopkin and Reeves attacked the couple after a side mirror on the couple’s Chevy Tahoe struck Reeves as they were driving away from the concert.Jaime Grenfell reportedly suffered serious injuries and was knocked unconscious by Hopkin. It was also alleged that Hopkin grabbed the phone of a man recording the incident and threw it to the ground.
The Defense’s Case
Defense lawyers argued that the viral video showed only a portion of the incident. Reeves’ attorney,Glen Jonas,claimed the video was edited,
and that Jaime Grenfell attacked
Reeves and a woman,but it was not shown in the video. The defense asserted that Reeves came to the defense of Jessica Santi after Grenfell initiated an altercation with her. according to court records,the Grenfells’ SUV mirror struck Reeves,leading to yelling,and then Jaime Grenfell exited the SUV and approached Santi,striking Reeves first.
Regarding Hopkin, the attorneys argued that he only became involved when his wife, Lindsay Hopkin, was allegedly assaulted.
Key Arguments
Jonas stated that the evidence presented showed Hopkin knocked out Jaime Grenfell with a punch to the face when the alleged victim tried to reengage in the conflict. He further criticized the prosecution, stating:
These two innocent men – Mr. Reeves and Mr. Hopkin – were falsely prosecuted by a District Attorney’s Office that refused to look at the case objectively.
Glen Jonas, Reeves’ Attorney
Jonas also blamed former Dist. Atty. George Gascón for the charges, adding:
The bigger picture is that regular people can manipulate the entire public and the media into a pitchfork mob mentality against innocent people and the district attorney’s office goes along with it.
Glen Jonas, Reeves’ Attorney
Raffi Manuelian, who represented Hopkin, told City News Service after the verdict:
It’s all about context.Let’s not judge people based on what we see in the social media.
Raffi Manuelian, Hopkin’s Attorney
The Lawsuit
The grenfells have sued Reeves, Hopkin, and the Dodgers over the incident, alleging inadequate security that night.the Dodgers deny these allegations. In the lawsuit, Jaime grenfell alleges that he and his wife suffered a head injury in the attack and other contusions and wounds and she witnessed her husband’s beating and his resulting injuries.
Did You Know?
dodger Stadium, opened in 1962, is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball west of the Mississippi River.Security measures at large venues like Dodger Stadium are constantly evolving to address potential safety concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What were the charges? Battery causing serious injury and vandalism.
- What was the verdict? Not guilty on all counts.
- Who are the victims? jaime and Lillian grenfell, a married couple in their 60s.
- What is the status of the lawsuit? The Grenfells have sued Reeves, Hopkin, and the Dodgers.
Pro Tip
When attending large events, always be aware of your surroundings and report any suspicious activity to security personnel immediately. documenting incidents with photos or videos can be helpful, but prioritize your safety and the safety of others.
