SAN DIEGO – During the third day of the trial involving the tragic hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of University Heights bartender Joshua Gilliland, two witnesses shared their harrowing accounts in court today.
Brandon Janik, the defendant, is facing a total of 8 charges, including murder, DUI, and insurance fraud charges in connection to the incident that occurred on June 10, 2023. Gilliland, a beloved member of the community who had been walking to work at Cheers for over two decades, was fatally struck by Janik as he crossed the street.
In the courtroom, Gilliland’s friends and family have been present since the trial began, and emotions ran high as the prosecutor described the heartbreaking moments leading up to Gilliland’s death. The sound of a 911 call reporting the accident echoed through the courtroom, further emphasizing the tragedy that unfolded that day.
One of the witnesses, Nishant Garg, vividly recalled the horrific event, stating that based on the speed and impact of the collision, he immediately knew that the pedestrian had not survived. Garg, who witnessed the crash, described seeing food and a hat flying through the air as the pedestrian was struck.
Despite the chaos of the situation, Garg took immediate action by contacting a friend who was a trauma surgeon and instructing him to rush to the scene to provide medical assistance. Garg’s quick thinking and medical background played a crucial role in the aftermath of the accident.
While bystanders stopped to render aid, Janik, the driver responsible for the crash, callously fled the scene. Prosecutors are working to convince the jury that Janik was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident, even though no concrete evidence, such as blood tests or breathalyzer results, exists due to Janik’s delayed arrest.
In a previous court session, another witness testified that they had encountered Janik passed out in the driver’s seat of his BMW loaner vehicle and had contacted emergency services. Despite being advised by paramedics not to drive, Janik ignored their warnings and drove away, ultimately leading to the tragic collision that claimed Gilliland’s life.
As the trial continues, the testimonies of witnesses provide crucial insights into the events that transpired on that fateful day. The pursuit of justice for Joshua Gilliland remains at the forefront of the proceedings, as the community seeks closure and accountability for this senseless tragedy.
