NORWICH – Chenango County Court was in session yesterday to hear the case of the accused 'Road Rage Killer,' John M. Guzy.

Guzy, 57, of Bainbridge, was previously indicted on 17 charges related to the death of Derek D. Prindle, 26, and the serious injury of Prindle’s father, Derek S. Prindle, who was 60 at the time of the shooting. Both victims are from Afton.

Guzy chose to waive his Constitutional right to a jury trial in an earlier conference, leaving Chenango County Court Judge Frank B. Revoir Jr. to full jurisdiction on the outcome of the case once all testimony has been heard.

The indictment for Guzy alleged that on Oct. 27, 2014 at approximately 1:25 p.m. in the parking lot of a business in the Town of Bainbridge, Guzy killed Derek D. Prindle by shooting him in the chest with a .25 caliber Beretta Jetfire semi-automatic handgun.

Guzy was present in the courthouse at 9 a.m. for the bench trial, accompanied by his attorney, Benjamin Bergman of the Jackson Bergman law firm out of the Binghamton area.

Chenango County District Attorney Joseph McBride represented the people on this matter.

McBride began first with opening statements, while Bergman and Guzy opted to not give an opening statement.

“On October 27, 2014, the defendant, a retired New York City Police Officer and currently working at the jail, while intoxicated got in his car with a loaded .25 caliber beretta. He left his residence with intent of causing trouble. He crowded the bumper of the victims, who were going 51 miles per hour in a 55 mile per hour zone,” said McBride. “The defendant passed the vehicle and abruptly stopped and blocked their path before continuing again. Derek S. Prindle directed him to go to Peak Fitness parking lot to discuss the problem.”

At this time, McBride continued to explain that Guzy arrived at the parking lot before the vehicle carrying both the victims.

“Guzy got out and did not identify himself as a current correctional officer. He said 'What is your (expletive) problem, and spit in the face of Derek S. Prindle. At this time, Derek S. Prindle, the passenger, got out of his vehicle and Mr. Guzy said 'I will kill you, I will (expletive) kill both of you. At no time did he say he had a loaded gun,” said McBride.

McBride alleged in his opening statement that a tussle between Guzy and Derek S. Prindle occurred and that Guzy put his loaded handgun into the side of Derek S. Prindle. and discharged the weapon before turning to Derek D. Prindle and engaging him in a manner of “pistol whipping.” Guzy allegedly beat Derek D. Prindle five to six times in the head before discharging the weapon twice into his chest, killing him.

McBride further explained that Guzy then drove himself to State Police barracks Troop C in Sidney, and smeared the blood on his chin in an attempt to make it look as if he was injured. Guzy did allegedly have an injured hand from the sliding action of his handgun.

To complete his opening statements, McBride read verbatim each of the 17 indictments to the court.

“I’ll ask you to find him guilty after hearing all of the testimony,” said McBride.

Guzy and his attorney denied the right to give an opening statement. Instead, the first witness, Derek S. Prindle, was called to the stand and sworn in.

Derek S. Prindle, a retired union carpenter, began by saying, “Derek followed my footsteps. He was a good man. He was a good carpenter.”

Derek S. Prindle recalled his routine of that fateful morning, explaining that he and his son had eaten breakfast and were on their way to the local dump to return recyclables.

Derek S. Prindle made the court aware that he occasionally smoked marijuana due to back pain, and not wanting to take prescription drugs, and that his doctor was aware of the fact.

“My son was driving. He made me aware that someone was following us very closely. The vehicle pulled along side us for two to three seconds then passed us and slammed on his brakes,” said Derek S. Prindle. “He pulled ahead again and then slammed on his brakes again, blocking both lanes of the road. I could see his head bobbing in the mirror. We are peaceful men. We're peacemakers, so we pulled up and I indicated with my finger for him to pull over.”

Derek S. Prindle continued his account of the situation. “I though he was going to punch me, then I felt a searing sharp pain in my side – didn’t know if he stabbed me or hit me with a stun gun. I said ‘Derek help me,’ and he was already by my side.”