As a result of their testimony, Stephen Lyde, 21, was held for trial on assault, riot, conspiracy, theft, and other charges in what police described as an attack by a "flash mob" convened by teens and young adults through texting and online social messaging sites.
Lyde, of West Philadelphia, was the first of three people arrested in what police say was a rampage by more than 100 who blocked traffic, pounded on cars, stole merchandise, and assaulted several people.
The incident, and several similar ones in the weeks before, led to an increased police presence along the South Street corridor on weekend nights.
None of those called to testify by Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Mitrick told of having seen Lyde strike Fitzgerald.
Only one identified Lyde as having been at the scene. Erin Houdeshell said Lyde was one of five to seven men who stood around Fitzgerald while he had a seizure on the hood of a car.
"He said, 'Yo, look at his head,' " Houdeshell testified, referring to Lyde watching Fitzgerald's head twitch and bounce on the car's hood. "He seemed kind of entertained by the situation."
Houdeshell, who said she was a few feet from the victim, seated in her car that was stopped by the mob, testified she did not see Lyde strike Fitzgerald.
But, under questioning by Lyde's public defender Christopher Angelo, Houdeshell insisted she recognized Lyde at the scene: "I heard it. His mouth was moving, so I can say he said it."
Sharon Frohlick testified that she saw a man grab the strap of Fitzgerald's backpack and yank him from his bike.
Frohlick said the assailant threw Fitzgerald on the hood of a parked car and punched him in the face. Seven or eight others joined in, punching and kicking him as he slid to the ground while other spectators cheered.
"It looked like out of a movie," Frohlick added. "It was insane."
