WLBT 3 - Jackson, MS: Accused Cop Shooter Gets Trial Date

Accused Cop Shooter Gets Trial Date

By Travers Mackel
travers@wlbt.net

Just over a year ago, a 70 year-old blind man allegedly shot a Jackson Police Officer after a 3-hour stand-off.

That man still remains in jail and will go to trial for aggravated assault in the next two months.

Flanked by police officers, Victor Panzella was led from his West Jackson home in cuffs after firing his gun on police officers last December.

The published author and trained electrical engineer has sat behind bars for months awaiting trial. In that time, Panzella has repeatedly called WLBT News, complaining about the jail's conditions and his inability to get a lawyer.

"His hasn't taken any longer than any other aggravated assault case like that," said Assistant District Attorney Robert Taylor.

Taylor adds Panzella is represented by the public defender and a trial date is set for March 12th.

"You've always got to take the circumstances of any defendant into consideration but these are serious charges that have to be dealt with," said Taylor.

Hinds County Sheriff Malcolm McMillin says Panzella's lack of sight hasn't been a problem for him or jail workers. "There's braille on the walls and lights so he can tell where things are."

The sheriff does have a problem with the length of time it takes for cases like Panzella's to go to trial. "There's no question a year is a long time for a case to be adjudicated."

Panzella will remain in jail until his court date. The 70-year old is a former New York City transit employee.

Police say Panzella shot JPD officer L.C. Russell in the hand last December. Officer Russell is completely healed and still on the force.