Richardson High School wins Texas State Mock Trial Championship

by PegNews wire

This year’s mock trial criminal case involved the alleged murder of a “Big Tony” – the tortilla king by his caregiver Nurse Casey Malvern.

On Saturday March 3rd the Richardson High School Legal Eagles captured the 28th Texas State Mock Trial Championship at the Earle Cabell Federal Courthouse. The Legal Eagles faced competition from around the state including Woodrow Wilson, Skyline, All Saints – Tyler and St. Thomas – Houston in the preliminary rounds. In the semi final round Richardson defeated Beaumont’s Monsignor Kelly High School before defeating Carrolton Creekview in a case presided over by Federal Judge Jerry Buchmeyer.

This year’s mock trial criminal case involved the alleged murder of a “Big Tony” – the tortilla king by his caregiver Nurse Casey Malvern. Two of Big Tony’s daughters were called as witnesses – one by the prosecution and one by the defense. Over 190 teams from across the state have been preparing since October for the right to represent Texas at the National Mock Trial Championship on May 9-12th in Dallas.

Richardson High School will be the host team for the National Tournament which will be conducted by the Dallas Bar Association. Members of the Legal Eagle State Champions are Kathryn Palagonia, Will Harpham, Caitlin Barret, Michael Sheetz, Danny Weiner, Elise Miller, Jordyn Anders, Jessa DeGroote, Victoria Varner and timekeeper Ilva Fejzulla. Alternates Andrew Townsend and Whitney Nwogwoguo helped prepare both the prosecution and defense cases. The team’s coach is Sara Hofeditz and Attorney Advisor is Chris Pochyla. The state championship represents the third state title for the program.

Source: Richardson ISD