BARROW COUNTY, Ga. — The trial will continue Wednesday for a 22-year-old man accused of telling others at a prom party not to call 911 after a 17-year-old passed out. That teenager, Leland Martin Jr., later died.
It has been nearly three years since Leland Martin's 17-year-old son, Leland Martin Jr., was found dead after he passed out at an after-prom party at a Barrow County home.
"We had to find out by pulling up in the yard and seeing all the coroners and all the police. So that's how we found out," said Martin.
Man Goes On Trial After Teen's Alcohol Death
Martin's blood alcohol level was over the legal limit. Other teens at the party said he was drunk and fighting and that he was put on the couch after he repeatedly vomited and passed out.
The Barrow County district attorney says 22-year-old Anthony Perry, now on trial, told party goers not to call 911. Martin suffocated.
Leland Martin Jr. IM Leland Martin Jr.
"I just think somebody should have called 911. Just took him to the hospital or called me or his brother. Somebody," said Martin.
Two others involved in the case pleaded guilty for their role in the incident, including Perry's stepmother.
Perry is charged with reckless conduct for allegedly discouraging the 911 call.
Martin's father said he can forgive but can never forget.
"You've got to understand, I'm the one who has to live with my baby gone every day. They don't," said Martin.
More than a dozen of Martin's classmates who went to the party are expected to testify during the trial. Many said in court they'd seen so many kids drunk before, that one passing out didn't seem to be a big deal.
Martin said he remembers the last time he saw his son he was putting on his prom tux.
"Nothing would have ever crossed my mind that I would have never seen him again," said Martin.
If Perry is found guilty, he faces a maximum sentence of a $1,000 find and/or a year in jail.
The trial is expected to wrap up Thursday or Friday.
Martin said he also plans to file a civil suit.
Leland Martin Jr. would have turned 21 years old today.