Attorney for Hirschfield injured; testimony delayed

Testimony in the Richard Joseph Hirschfield murder trial was postponed Tuesday when one of the defendant's lawyers injured her knee and was taken to the hospital.

Defense attorney Linda Parisi suffered the injury before the trial resumed when she slipped and fell in the first-floor lobby at Sacramento Superior Court. She was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Assistant Public Defender Ken Schaller later told Judge Michael W. Sweet it could be a week to 10 days before Parisi can return to the courtroom.

The trial is expected to resume today with four prosecution witnesses who will be cross-examined by Schaller.

Hirschfield, 63, is on trial for murder and sexual assault in the Dec. 20, 1980, slayings of UC Davis students John Riggins and Sabrina Gonsalves, both of whom were 18.

– Andy Furillo