Corasanti attorneys deny party rumors

BUFFALO N.Y. (WIVB) - Just days after twelve jurors found Dr. James Corasanti not guilty of five felonies and guilty of misdemeanor DWI in the hit and run crash that killed 18 year old Alexandria Rice last July, the families of Alix Rice and Dr. Corasanti are trying to move on.

However, word that the Amherst doctor might have held a party following his acquittal on the most serious charges is sparking new controversy.

Someone on Twitter wrote, "The fact that I am watching Corasanti from my backyard having a party in his backyard is sickening."

"Rumor has it Corasanti had a big party at his house last night. That there were so many cars a neighbor couldn't get down the street to get pictures," added a viewer on Facebook

Alix’s father, Richard Rice said, “I understand there was a big party.”

Thursday during a press conference, Rice's father, Richard said he heard the Corasanti's had pizza delivered to their so called "party". He questioned why the defense would say the outcome of the case brought no victors.

“Nobody's a winner. Nobody's leaving here celebrating," Rice said. "They were waiting till they got home. Think about it. They enjoyed it.”

But Corasanti's Attorney, Tom Burton, says they did not have a party.

"None of us had eaten all day and we gathered at Dr. Corasanti's house afterwards,” Burton said. “A friend of his was kind enough to send over food. I would not call it a party. That's unfair."

Burton says they could not celebrate; some were too upset. He says both families are trying to find some kind of closure with this verdict.

News 4 crews drove by the Corasanti home Wednesday night and it did not appear as though he was having a party.