Opinion ID: 2107127
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: The Testimony of Howard

Text: Howard was the second jewelry salesman to enter the self-styled jewelry store. He would become the second robbery victim and would join James in involuntary confinement in the small room. Howard testified at defendant's trial that, at some point in late March or early April of 2002, a man who introduced himself as Dan Matos had called him to inquire about buying jewelry for a new jewelry store. He testified that he arranged to meet Mr. Matos at the jewelry store several days before the robbery, but that, when he arrived there, he was told by a workman or contractor that Mr. Matos was in Boston for the purpose of procuring a safe. [20] Howard further testified that on April 25 he went to the jewelry store pursuant to another appointment that he had made with Dan Matos. He testified that he brought with him a shoulder bag and a case of jewelry samples valued at approximately $26,000. It was further his testimony that there was a handgun in his shoulder bag and that he had an additional $600 on his person. Howard testified that, upon his arrival, Elaine met him in the entry area and guided him to a door down the hall. He testified that he knocked on the door and was told to come in; he said that, as he proceeded through the doorway someone grabbed for his shoulder bag and pulled him into the room. Howard testified that he was sprayed with mace but that it did not affect him because he was so blooming angry. It was Howard's testimony that he was sixty-one years old at the time of the robberies. To his credit, however, the fact that he was not a young man did not prevent Howard from engaging in a violent struggle with his two attackers upon entering the back room. He testified that the struggle lasted about five minutes until he was finally forced to the floor and tied up. Howard testified that both of his assailants were wearing stocking masks and that one of the men was taller than the other and was scruffy looking, whereas he described the other as being short and rugged. He further testified that, after he was tied up, he was thrown into the closet with James. He added that his assailants took all of his valuables, including the handgun. Howard testified that, while he was in the small room, he was able to work free of his bindings and then could watch his two assailants through a hole in the door. He further testified that he heard a man and woman [21] approaching the door leading to the back room of the jewelry store and decided that he would try to warn the approaching person to contact the police. He testified that he then bolted from the closet and that another violent struggle with the robbers ensued. Howard testified that he yelled call the police at least three times during the struggle but was not sure whether anyone heard him. According to Howard's trial testimony, the struggle ended when he was again tied up in the closet with duct tape being placed over his eyes, mouth, and nose. He further testified that, when he and James believed that their assailants had left the premises, James cut his own bindings with a knife that he had on his person and then proceeded to free him. Howard testified that he then left the premises and called the police from an insurance office located next to the jewelry store. C