The man charged in the Diamond Billiards pool hall crash appeared in court Tuesday for a case management hearing.
William Gulliver, 75, is charged with DUI manslaughter among other charges after police say he rammed his pickup into Diamond Billiards, killing 60-year-old Ron Gravel and injuring two others.
Friends of Gravel are patiently waiting as the suspect takes another step toward trial.
A longtime patron of the pool hall said they've remodeled and upgraded the place in homage to Gravel, who so many call a brother.
They've even placed a Christmas tree at the spot of the bar where Gravel used to always sit.
"It's like a brotherhood, and Ronnie was one of the best guys that was always willing to help everybody," longtime patron Curt Kucharczyk said.
Even though the physical signs of damage have been repaired, Kucharczyk said the holes in their hearts still aren't fixed.
"It was heartbreaking to come back into Diamonds after they opened and there's a lot of emotions going around, and there still is in these months after that tragedy that happened," he told Four in Your Corner's Lisa Greenberg.
Gulliver, who is pleading not guilty, appeared in court Tuesday morning for a case management hearing.
His attorney told the judge they're still waiting on some evidence and there will be some expert witnesses involved in the case, as well as some potential motions filed down the line.
Police say the night of the crash, Gulliver had a BAC five times the legal limit as he drove "full throttle" into the building, pinning patrons against the bar.
According to the police report, bartenders kicked him out for groping women and "acting sloppy."
As Gulliver, his wife, and his attorney left the hearing on Tuesday, they did not wish to answer any questions.
Knowing Gulliver's case is moving along, Kucharczyk said he's confident the justice system will get it right, but he's still dealing with the heartbreak.
"From my point, it's just a lot of pain and a lot of hurt that just goes on because somebody you loved and care about is no longer around," he said.
Gulliver's next court appearance is scheduled for January 27th at 10:30am.
Stick with Four in Your Corner for updates.
