COURT GESTURES: O’Donnell Park trial expected to last 5 weeks

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Five weeks. Three lawsuits. One trial.

It should be an interesting month or so for those involved in the O’Donnell Park case, which begins Monday in Milwaukee County Circuit Judge Christopher Foley’s courtroom.

If you don’t remember this one, here’s a quick refresher: A concrete panel fell off the O’Donnell Park parking garage in June 2010, killing 15-year-old Jared Kellner and injuring Eric and Amy Wosinski. Three lawsuits were filed, and the only principal parties that remain are the plaintiffs, Milwaukee County and Advance Cast Stone.

On Tuesday, attorneys had one last pretrial conference, hammering out what is OK and off limits in front of the jury. Foley said he wanted to make sure everything is in order before the trial starts so the appellate court doesn’t reverse the case for any reason.

Having to do it again, he said, would put a strain on everybody, most importantly those who were actually affected by the tragedy.

Either way, it’s going to be a long and interesting five weeks. I’ll be there, so check back for updates.