The trial of Osborne Montague for the murder of Rosemund Reed continued today with Lucio Montague called to the stand. The editor of Dolce Vita is a man known to many in the City of Verona given his popular magazine as well as his impassioned statement that many credit with turning the tide in the last mayoral election campaign. Supporters of the former Head of the Montague family are hoping that Lucio Montague’s words will do the same today for Osborne Montague.
Lucio Montague was a spell-binding witness, capturing the attention of all in the courtroom. An accomplished speaker, the witness relayed a tale of his heart-breaking youth in which the shelters of Verona as well as other social service programs were relied upon for the submissive to survive throughout his youth and childhood.
After capturing the court’s attention, Lucio Montague proceeded to relay how he became part of the Montague family, repeatedly pointing out that his story was not unique. Lucio Montague reminded all those present that the Montagues had done more for the poor and the desperate, those brought low with addiction, poverty and abuse than any shelter or church in the whole of the city. They gave them a family. Anything may be accomplished when you have the strength of family.
The prosecution was unable to shift Lucio Montague’s view or find gaps to exploit. Justice Capulet finally had to tell Mr. Troisi to move on because his line of questioning was not gathering any traction. The only concession made by Lucio Montague was that his own hard work was a substantive contributor to his success, a fact that was undisputed by the submissive. Of course, Lucio Montague then reminded the court that he wouldn’t have had the opportunity without the support of the Montague family and, in particular, Osborne Montague. No redirect questions were necessary and while Lucio Montague was also reminded not to leave the City of Verona until the conclusion of trial, courtroom commentators speculate that it would be unnecessary to recall this witness. For more information on Dolce Vita and other Montague publications, see page 3.
