Whitley Sheriff expected to take witness stand today in Brewer beating trial

The defense will open its case today in lawsuit Dalton Christopher Brewer brought again Whitley County and Sheriff Lawrence Hodge for the 2007 beating he suffered at the hands of Tony Ramey.

In discussing the case Friday with U.S. District Court Judge Gregory VanTatenhove, Jane Winkler Dyche, the attorney for Whitley County and Hodge, said Hodge would be the first witness to take the stand for the defense.

Brewer’s attorneys wrapped up the plaintiff’s case Friday by calling Brewer to the stand. During his testimony, Brewer explained that he is no longer able to work as a brick mason or electrician because of the injuries he suffered when Ramey pistol-whipped him during an altercation in June 2007 over a gun Brewer had purchased from Ramey’s son, Perry.

Brewer went on to say that he could not run either of his companies, Dalton Enterprises or Complete Masonry, because of the injuries he suffered.

The jury may begin deliberations as early as Tuesday.