Mexican actor Pablo Lyle's manslaughter trial underway after several delays
MIAMI - After several delays, the manslaughter trial of Mexican actor Pablo Lyle is underway.
In March 2019, Lyle was a passenger in a car driven by his brother-in-law when he cut off Hernandez at the intersection of NW 27th Avenue and 14th Street.
At a stoplight, Hernandez ran up to the SUV Lyle was in and banged on the window.
Lyle was captured on surveillance video getting out of the passenger side of the vehicle. His brother-in-law also got out of the car, but it was not in park and it started rolling into the intersection.
The brother-in-law ran back to the car to stop it from rolling and Hernandez walked back toward his own car. That is when the surveillance video shows Lyle running toward Hernandez and punching him.
The blow knocked Hernandez unconscious and he later died from his injuries.
During his opening statement, Lyle's defense attorney said his client was scared for his family and children and acted in self-defense.
"He got out of his car and was banging on that window," Bruce Lehr said as he pounded the top of the podium. "Scaring the adults and three kids. The three kids are hysterical at this point."
During his opening statement, prosecutor Shawn Abuhoff said Lyle did not just use force, he used deadly force.
",,,that he is going to strike Mr. Hernandez in the face because he blames Mr. Hernandez for this situation. And not only does he need force, and use force, he uses deadly force," said Abuhoff.
On the stand, witness Jessica Rocha, who was at the same intersection, said that she saw Hernandez cross his arms in front of his face like he was blocking a hit.
She described 63-year-old Hernandez as elderly and said Lyle was fit and looked like Tarzan. She said Hernandez pleaded with Lyle. "I heard the victim say, no, no, please don't hurt me," she said.
Lyle's attorney points out numerous inconsistencies in her testimony.
Lyle, who claims he acted in self-defense, was the star of the Mexican telenovela "Mi Adorable Maldición," or "My Adorable Curse." He also stars in a Netflix drama called "Yankee."
Testimony is scheduled to resume on Tuesday, weather permitting.