On Sunday, April 15, Eric ended his visit with his family early because of medical problems. He was examined by the jail doctor and it appeared he might have a condition called pericarditis. Pericarditis is a swelling and irritation of the pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane that surrounds your heart. This condition often causes chest pain and other signs and symptoms. For more information on Pericarditis visit:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pericarditis/DS00505 Apparently the jail began treating him with steroids and aspirin and his condition improved. His lawyer filed a motion to have him taken to the hospital so that he could undergo further testing and receive quality medical treatment. On April 16 the US Marshals sent him to the hospital immediately prior to his hearing on defense motions. For this reason the hearing has been moved to Monday, April 23, at 10am in front of Judge England. At the brief hearing where these decisions were made a trial date was set. Eric's trial is currently set to begin on July 2nd in front of Judge England. That gives us 2 1/2 months to raise the remaining $8,000 necessary for Eric's defense.
At the hospital on Monday, Eric underwent a series of tests to try and determine what might be the cause of the pericarditis. Unfortunately, the doctors decided that they would be unable to determine the cause without doing bloodwork - which they could not do in the emergency room. Eric was discharged from the hospital Monday night and sent back to the jail, with a request from the doctors to do bloodwork. Since then, the jail has drawn Eric's blood once, but we probably won't know the results until next week. He is still receiving meds, which has vastly improved his condition.
We will continue to send out updates as new information about Eric's health becomes available.
Eric would still love for people to come to the hearing, now scheduled for this Monday, April 23, at 10 am (501 I St, Sacramento, 15th floor, courtroom no. 3). Please come dressed appropriately for court. Also, we would love to have the courtroom full of supporters for Eric's trial, which will start on July 2.
Finally, please don't forget that we are still in desperate need of funds for Eric's legal defense. We are working to insure that Eric receives the best defense possible, but to do that we need your help! Please visit www.supporteric.org for more info on fundraising and the May 5 International Day of Solidarity. If you cannot put together a fundraiser by May 5, please don't let the be a deterrent. Since Eric's trial date has been set for July 2, we have a bit more time. But don't delay! We would like to have the money raised as quickly as possible so the bills don't pile up.
Thanks to everyone who has supported Eric thus far.
Please continue writing Eric during these times of struggle! Check www.supporteric.org for guidelines about writing Eric at the jail.
Thank you,
SPS