Supporters Rally Around Man Accused Of Beating Los Gatos Priest
SAN JOSE (KCBS)- Supporters carrying signs came to the San Jose courthouse Wednesday morning to show their support for a man charged with assaulting a priest he accused of pedophilia.
William Lynch, of San Francisco, is accused of assaulting Rev. Jerold Lindner last March at the Jesuits' Sacred Heart retirement home in Los Gatos. Lynch claims that Lindner sexually molested him, and his brother during camping trips in the Santa Cruz Mountains in 1975.
His supporters circled outside the San Jose Hall of Justice Wednesday morning, carrying signs that read "Free Willy," and "Jail Father Jerry." Joanne Assertion told KCBS that they are there to support Lynch as he goes on trial for the attack.
Tamara Reem was one of about two dozen supporters.
"I want to look Jerry in the eye, and I want him to see me," said Reem, who is Lindner's niece.
She claims that the priest also molested her and her siblings when they were children.
"I knew what he was doing to me, and I thought it was only me, but then my brother told me he thought it was only him. You've heard that story before, where one kid thinks it's only them and they want to protect the other kids," said Reem.
KCBS' Matt Bigler Reports:
"Whether it was Will, or anyone else, there is a lot of anger and frustration through these victims and they need some type of outlet," said Assertion. "We do not condone violence, but we also feel like the wrong person is on trial here today."
At least 10 people have accused Father Lindner of molestation although he's never been criminally charged. Supporters of the Lynch family said they are pleased that Lindner will be in court for the first time Wednesday, albeit it as a victim.
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