Long wait for Langlais death trial not unusual in this type of case, prosecutor says

A bailiff escorts Eric Langlais to a waiting Strafford County Sheriff's Deputy after his February arraignment on manslaughter and riot charges. (Lebanon Voice file photo)

DOVER - The delay till January for the trial of the man accused in the death of Bang N Jane drummer Jim Unfonak is nothing unusual in a case as complicated as this, said the lead prosecutor in the case.

Eric Langlais, 41, of 31 Lincoln Lane, Barnstead, is alleged to have fatally injured Unfonak with a single punch to the head outside a Rochester sports bar around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 31. He was was taken off life support the next day. Langlais was indicted on manslaughter and riot charges in April.

Assistant Prosecutor Tim Sullivan said this week that one of the reasons for the delay is there is still a lot of investigation for attorneys on both sides that has to occur prior to trial. He added that the defense had waived a speedy trial clause, which would have mandated the trial occur within four months.

Sullivan said there could be a number of depositions to be taken as well, noting that there were multiple people at Gary's Sports Bar the night Unfonak's was fatally injured.

Jim Unfonak was drumming sensation and heart and soul of Bang N Jane. (Courtesy image)

Sullivan said there will likely be a number of witnesses, but the names of those expected to testify isn't required until 20 days prior to the final pretrial conference, which is set for Jan. 4.

The trial is expected to take about a week.

Also charged in the incident were two local women, Mandy Patch, 37, of Old Milton Road, Rochester; and Laurie Henner, 41, of Whitebirch Lane in Farmington; and another man, Forrest Rollins, 42, of Brook St. Rochester.

Patch reached a plea deal with prosecutors last month, receiving two consecutive 12-month sentences, one for rioting and another for assaulting a woman inside Gary's Sports bar earlier the night of Unfonak's death. The second sentence will be suspended for two years after her first sentence is completed.

Henner was charged with one count of felony riot and is free on $10,000 personal recognizance. Henner has yet to accept a plea deal. She faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.

Rollins is charged with simple assault in connection with an altercation inside Gary's Sports Bar the night Unfonak was fatally injured. The Lebanon Voice has subsequently learned through a source close to the investigation that the victim of that assault was Unfonak.

Rollins, who is free on personal recognizance, faces an August trial in Rochester District Court. He could get a year in county jail if convicted.

Langlais, meanwhile, could face up to 30 years in prison for manslaughter.