University student assault case against Garritano continued

The case against a Jackson man accused of assaulting a fellow Southeast Missouri State University student last year was continued Monday before Circuit Court Judge William L. Syler.

Antonio Garritano's defense attorney Stephen C. Wilson told the judge his client is suffering from a serious medical condition and may be having surgery.

Garritano, 19, is charged with first-degree burglary and third-degree assault for allegedly breaking into a residence at 1325 Dunklin St. and causing a serious head injury to 21-year-old Blake Carlton.

According to Brett Jones, 19, a co-defendant in the case, Garritano punched Carlton up to 15 times. Syler set Garritano's next hearing for July 6 to get an update on his condition and to see if the case can proceed.

Wilson's motions for a change of venue and a change of judge in the case are still pending with the court, according to Missouri Casenet.