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Mattioli trial delayed, former cop accused in man's death
The homicide trial of former Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli has been delayed to June 2023.
MILWAUKEE - The homicide trial of former Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli has been delayed to June 2023. Prosecutors say they are having trouble getting hold of their key witness – the former Milwaukee County medical examiner.
Dr. Brian Peterson submitted emergency retirement paperwork last month. Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley congratulated him for his years of service. But in court on Friday, Oct. 28, prosecutors said the county executive fired him.
Dr. Brian Peterson
Mattioli's trial was supposed to start next month. He is charged with choking Joel Acevedo in April 2020. Acevedo later died. The key witness for the state's case was the man who performed Acevedo's autopsy.
"Does the state know what’s happened to Dr. Peterson? It’s getting to be a parlor game here in Milwaukee County these days," said Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge David Borowski.
The trial has been adjourned several times.
No one could answer where Peterson is or way – until Friday.
"The reason I’ve been provided is that there are two people in the county who serve at the will of the county executive. That is the corp counsel and the chief medical examiner. They can be removed for any reason," said Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney Paul Tiffin.
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"So now, apparently, Dr. Peterson was terminated by the county executive?" Judge Borowski asked. "It’s time for the county executive to issue a statement and come clean in the interest of the judicial process in Milwaukee. Because that’s completely different than what’s been indicated to the public for six weeks."
Again, the original story was that Peterson retired. Records show he signed off on emergency retirement paperwork back in September.
Prosecutors said the county's attorneys would provide a public statement. We still do not have one.
County Executive Crowley's office would only say Peterson "retired." FOX6 News asked if Peterson retired in lieu of termination. They would not answer.
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Peterson has not responded to FOX6 News calls or emails.
"It’s tough. It is tough. I’m trying to contain myself here. It’s very tough," said Jose Acevedo, Joel Acevedo's father.
Protest for Joel Acevedo near 45th and Center
Acevedo's family feels caught in the middle.
"This is a joke. It’s a disgrace to the court system. The process, the DA’s office. It’s just a joke," Jose Acevedo said. "We’ve been quiet. We’ve been patient. Trying to move forward with our lives, and it’s hard. We’re re-living our son’s death."