December 13, 2013 The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch Page 41 . . Case Dropped, But Defense Expects New Charges Soon FROM PAGE 4 opinion. “I think it’s a delaying tactic by the state,” he said. “It’s odd that they would recharge him this late in the game.” Around 1:30 a.m. last Jan. 26, Nottingham and Post were among friends at the Harbor Inn when Nottingham dropped his cell phone on the bar floor. Post and others scooped up the dropped phone and kept it from Nottingham as he became more and more agitated. At one point, bar surveillance video shows Nottingham throwing bar stools, a move the prosecution characterized during the trial in August as GEORGE D. NOTTINGHAM rage, while the defense characterized the bar-throwing as Nottingham simply looking on the floor for his phone. The bartender, Herbert “Buddy” Groff, intervened when a pushing and shouting match ensued between Nottingham and Post, an altercation he characterized at trial in August as horseplay between two longtime friends, and instructed Post to go out the front door and Nottingham to remain behind for a few minutes in an attempt to diffuse the situation. Post did go out the front door and lingered around, while Nottingham remained inside. About five minutes later, when it appeared the tensions had cooled, Nottingham went out the front door and ultimately swatted Post in the head with his left hand, causing Post to fall to the sidewalk and strike his head. The force of the fall caused a fracture of Post’s skull and he suffered a subdural hematoma that ultimately claimed his life on the icy, snowcovered sidewalk in front of the bar. The Harbor Inn’s 16 high-tech video cameras inside and outside of the establishment captured the entire episode and there was little doubt after viewing the sequence pieced together chronologically by the OCPD forensic team of the events that led to Post’s death. What was at issue for the jury was the intent and whether or not it fit comfortably into the definition of manslaughter. After hearing testimony all day in August and deliberating for hours, the jury could not reach a decision and a new trial was scheduled. Farlow said this week with new charges pending, including the lesser counts, he would be prepared to defend Nottingham again. “I’ve said all along it’s just a tragic situation,” he said. “Mike Post is not coming back to his family and that is just a tragedy, but there was never any intent there. This was a case of two friends horsing around and it had a terribly bad outcome. The evidence is the evidence. The video is what it is. It paints a very real picture of what happened.” Voted Finest Crab Cake In 2012 By Maryland Life Magazine OPEN WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY AT 11:30 A.M. UPSTAIRS LUNCH AND LITE FARE Open Friday & Saturday 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday 11:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. CAPTAIN’S GALLEY II On The Water • West Ocean City Seafood Fit For A Captain SERVING DINNER DOWNSTAIRS Open Friday & Saturday 4:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Sunday, Wednesday & Thursday 4:30 p.m.-9 p.m. EARLY BIRD WEDNESDAY-SATURDAY 4:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M. $2 OFF ADULT ENTREES $1 OFF CHILDREN’S ENTREES (DOES NOT APPLY TO OTHER SPECIALS) HAPPY HOUR WEDNESDAY-SUNDAY 4 P.M.-7 P.M. 55¢ WINGS $4.50 1/2-LB. STEAMED SHRIMP 410-213-2525 SENIOR CITIZEN SUNDAY: 20% OFF DINNER ENTREES (DOES NOT APPLY TO OTHER SPECIALS) AGE 55 YEARS YOUNG SUNDAY 4 P.M.-7 P.M. $4 ORANGE CRUSHES (BAR ONLY) THURSDAY: 15% OFF CRABCAKE ENTREES NO RESERVATIONS • CALL AHEAD FOR AVAILABILITY FOR PARTIES OF 16 OR MORE LIVE LOBSTER CALL FOR AVAILABILITY Check Out Our Website For Other Specials And Coupons: www.occaptainsgalley2.com LOCATED ON THE COMMERCIAL HARBOR 1/4-MILE SOUTH OF ROUTE 50 Golf Course Rd., West Ocean City, Md. Across From The Ocean City Outlets WE ACCEPT MASTERCARD, VISA, AMERICAN EXPRESS AND DISCOVER