Roland Breault Found Not Guilty of First-Degree Murder in Fatal Stabbing of Joe Pendergrass

May 22, 2024

Attorney Stephen Komie recently helped a client achieve a not guilty verdict after spending years fighting murder charges in a case involving the fatal stabbing of a saloon owner in Rockford. In the case of People Vs. Roland Breault, the jury returned a verdict of not guilty of first degree murder and aggravated battery, but it found that the defendant was guilty of involuntary manslaughter. The jury ruled that Roland acted in self-defense and thus exonerated him as a murderer after an eight-year court battle to be free of the murder charge. He was immediately discharged and allowed to return home to his family while awaiting sentencing.

Komie and Associates would like thank all members of the trial team: Attorneys Brian King and Allan Ackerman, Dr. Larry Blum, MD, architect Ron Bellas, who provided the scene model, and our staff. We were especially gratified to work with jury selection expert Dr. Jo-Ellan Demetrius, who assisted with jury selection in the O.J. Simpson trial and other high-profile cases. Our firm regularly works with expert witnesses to address the unique needs of our clients. We have access to forensic accountants, psychologists, medical doctors, and other experts throughout the country to help with our clients' needs. For more information about the criminal defense services provided by Komie and Associates, contact us at 312-263-2800.

Pictured Above: Dr. Jo-Ellan Demetrius

Pictured Above: Mary Anne Breault

Pictured Above: Mary Anne Breault