Charge Reduced Against Fullerton Gymnast
An assault charge against Cal State Fullerton gymnast Eli Rodriguez in the stabbing of a former teammate has been reduced from felony to misdemeanor, a North Orange County Court spokesperson said.
Rodriguez is charged with aggravated assault in the September stabbing of Steve Ciccarelli, who was hospitalized with abdominal wounds for about 2 weeks.
The reduction in charges Monday was in response to a request from defense attorney Stephan A. DeSales, who cited lack of prior record or premeditation and the fact that some witnesses to the incident were intoxicated.
A pretrial hearing is scheduled Dec. 7.
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