Barrington boating death case in court

BARRINGTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Lawyers for a Barrington teen accused of killing his friend were back in court Friday for a status conference.

Ryan Greenberg is charged in the death of 17-year-old Patrick Murphy, who died in 2007 after being hit by Greenberg's boat.

The 18-year-old has been indicted on charges of second-degree murder, reckless boating with death resulting, underage possession of alcohol and refusal to submit a chemical test.

Greenberg was not present for Friday's proceedings, during which Judge Daniel Procaccini and lawyers for both sides reviewed schedules for the upcoming trial slated to begin Jan 20. Dates were also set for different motions by both the defense and the state.

Although scheduling conferences generally happen in chambers, Judge Procaccini said he wanted today's schedule to be set in open court.

"I know there are interested parties present in the courtroom, and I think it's only fair I make it known what was discussed on the record today," he said.

Those interested parties are members of Patrick Murphy's family, who sat in court, along with their attorney.

"The only thing we're here for now is to try to assist the family in understanding the legal process and be a resource when they need to know what's gone on," Procaccini said.