SMETHPORT — Testimony Thursday morning in McKean County Court in the homicide case against Stephen Stidd got a little heated, when his longtime doctor clashed with the prosecution.
Stidd, 65, is on trial for the shooting death of his son-in-law, Melvin Bizzarro, Jan. 16, 2015.
Dr. Joseph Thomas, treating Stidd since 2003 for back and neck pain, described Stidd’s physical limitations, and lack of ability to run or even walk fast to remove himself from danger. However, prosecutor Todd Goodwin with the state attorney general’s office took issue with the statements, calling into question why test results were from this summer instead of 2015, when the incident took place.
While the doctor said Stidd’s condition hadn’t significantly changed since then, Goodwin had medical records of office visits from 2015 that seemed to show Stidd was doing OK.
“Mr. Stidd was seated in a vehicle. Would his condition have prevented him from driving?” Goodwin asked. No, the doctor answered. “From locking the door … pulling a trigger … lifting a small caliber firearm? It wouldn’t have prevented him from dialing a cell phone to call law enforcement or police,” Goodwin said, heatedly. “Correct,” Thomas replied.
“I understand your point,” the doctor said, growing visibly agitated. “He (Stidd) has severe cervical lumbar disease and it won’t change my opinion.”
Defense attorney James P. Miller asked only one question. “Whether he was having a good day or a bad day, does that change any part of your opinion about whether he could walk or run fast?”
“Absolutely not,” Thomas replied.
Forensic pathologist Cyril Wecht also testified Thursday morning.
