Decision time soon on Yale fight

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 1/31/7 | Phillip Matier, Andrew Ross

[SmithL]

The investigation of the alleged New Year's attack on Yale's Baker's Dozen singing club could finally be headed to prosecutors -- possibly by next week, according to law enforcement sources.

At least that was the word late Tuesday as the event that became a national spectacle was approaching its one-month anniversary.

Those same sources, however, said they're not sure if what allegedly started as taunting over the singers' rendition of the "Star-Spangled Banner" inside a Richmond District home and later spilled out onto the street has the makings of a felony assault case.

Attorney Whitney Leigh, who was hired by the Yale victims' families to bring attention to the case when the cops were seemingly slow to investigate, said there's plenty to take to a jury. He said victims and witnesses have identified four local youths who were detained by cops that night as the attackers who allegedly repeatedly kicked Yalie Evan Gogel while he was on the ground.

Gogel suffered a concussion and two black eyes in the attack.

Attorney Leigh said the attack continued even after a young woman -- who apparently has yet to come forward -- jumped on Gogel to protect him.

"Without question, it's a felony assault -- this kid is lucky to be alive,'' Leigh said.

However, things aren't as clear in a second alleged attack on fellow Yalie Sharyar Aziz Jr., whose jaw was broken in two places.

Leigh said Aziz has identified the person who initially punched him on the street, but couldn't ID any of the attackers who allegedly kicked him while he was on the ground -- which is when the jaw injury may have occurred.

Attorney Leigh said a fifth suspect has been identified as instigating the assaults on both Gogel and Aziz when he called for backups...

[Gritty]