Jury begins deliberations in fatal Hammond stabbing case

CROWN POINT | Attorneys ended the fourth day of a Hammond man's murder trial battling over whether Benito Lesiak killed his roommate in a jealous rage or in fear for his life.

Lesiak, 57, testified Thursday that Scott Philips fell on a knife as they fought inside the Hammond home they shared. Lesiak spoke at length about how their romantic relationship had gone bad.

Relations between the men had been complicated by Philips' preference for another man, Lake County Deputy Prosecutor Christine Parry told jurors.

Parry argued Lesiak, in his jealousy and anger, stabbed Philips after issuing an ultimatum over the other man.

However, Lesiak testified that Philips was killed accidentally as Lesiak fended off blows from Philips.

"I wasn't stabbing him," Lesiak said. "I was trying to show him I had a knife."

Lesiak said Philips, 44, first approached him from behind while Lesiak stood at the kitchen sink washing dishes.

The altercation escalated, and Philips repeatedly hit him on the body and head before he grabbed the knife, Lesiak testified.

"He was holding me and shaking me real hard," said Lesiak, who is in poor health.

Philips fell into the blade while he was lunging at Lesiak, Lesiak said.

Parry rejected Lesiak's telling of the fatal events. Lesiak showed no physical signs of a violent struggle, she said. A knife, measuring more than 8 inches, could not have entered Philips' body to a depth of more than 5 inches without a show of great force, she said.

"He just found out his man is gone," she said. "He's leaving. He's angry."

Defense attorney Richard Wolter argued Lesiak's actions were consistent with a man who had no criminal intent.

If Lesiak wanted to kill Philips, why did he call 911 and impatiently urge emergency responders on, Wolter asked.

He not only tried to aid Philips, he didn't flee or try to hide the knife, Wolter said.

Wolter denied Lesiak showed no sign of injury from a fight. Wolter passed the jury a photograph of a knot on Lesiak's head.

"It was Scott who was steamed," Wolter told jurors. "He was about to lose his safety net."