Opinion ID: 2107127
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: The Testimony of Michael

Text: A third jewelry salesman, Michael, also testified at defendant's trial. He testified that he was contacted by a man who called himself Dan Matos; that man expressed interest in purchasing diamonds from Michael for a new jewelry store that Mr. Matos said he would be opening on Mineral Spring Avenue in North Providence. Michael testified that he went to the jewelry store on two occasions. He first went there prior to the day of the robberies in order to meet with Mr. Matos. When he arrived at the store, however, he was met by a workman who told him that Mr. Matos was not available. It was further Michael's testimony that the second time that he went to the store was on the day of the robberies (April 25, 2002). He testified that Mr. Matos had made an appointment with him, pursuant to which he was to come to the store between 1:00 and 1:30 in the afternoon on that day. Michael further testified that, on the designated day, he in fact went to the jewelry store and was met by a woman who looked like a street lady. [22] He testified that the woman walked to the back of the store and purported to announce his arrival to Mr. Matos. Michael then testified that he heard noise and grunts of pain coming from the back room and that he questioned the woman about it. He said that the woman first told him that people were in the process of moving a hot water heater. He added that, after he expressed doubt about the woman's explanation, she went into the back room and then returned explaining that the people were actually moving a safe. Michael testified that, after the woman had provided this second explanation, the phone rang and the woman reported that it was Mr. Matos calling to leave a message that he was delayed in traffic and would be late for the scheduled appointment. Michael testified that, his suspicions having been aroused after receiving this message, he left the jewelry store. He further testified that, on the following day, he read a newspaper article about the robberies; and, believing that he had been present in the same store as was mentioned in the article, he immediately called the police.