Florida judge hears two days of testimony in golf course assault case: Is the evidence enough? | FOX 35 Orlando

Florida judge hears two days of testimony in golf course assault case: Is the evidence enough?

Lake County Judge Heidi Davis is working to determine if the state presented enough evidence to dismiss a Stand Your Ground case against Leesburg dentist Dr. Eddie Orobitg.

She heard nearly two full days of testimony.

Records show Orobitg is charged with aggravated battery for hitting a man, Dr. Joe Sivak, with a golf club during an altercation in 2023 at the Harbor Hills Golf Course.

Orobitg could face over a decade in prison if the case moves forward and he is convicted, officials stated.

Davis will have to sort through conflicting testimony. She'll also have 911 audio and police body camera video to review.

"Taking this under advisement and will get a written order out as quickly as I can," said Davis.

What happened to Dr. Joe Sivak?

The backstory:

Orobitg, then 52, was golfing with his son when he reportedly became enraged after spotting Sivak, a physician, and his wife walking on the golf cart path at Harbor Hills Country Club about 60 miles northwest of Orlando.

After the two men began arguing, Orobitg allegedly swung his club at Sivak's leg.

The melee quickly escalated with Orobitg allegedly bludgeoning Sivak on the side and back of the head with the club as Sivak attempted to defend himself with a water bottle, the affidavit says.

Lake County Sheriff's Office deputies arrived and found Sivak covered in blood, and "it appeared his ear lobe was ripped," the document alleges. Sivak suffered broken ribs and a fractured cheekbone and required stitches to repair his ear. 

Deputies questioned Orobitg, who offered a different version of the confrontation. He told authorities he had asked the couple to get out of the way, and Sivak got in his face, shoved him, then spat on him.

Sivak, the dentist alleged, struck him in the face with a water bottle, then "attempted to take his golf clubs," which he thought he was going to use to beat his son. 

He only smacked the doctor's leg in self-defense, he said. But the doctor's wife and the boy said the brawl erupted after Orobitg spat in Sivak's face first.

Orobitg, who served in the U.S. Navy, appeared surprised when deputies arrested him, according to body camera footage obtained by FOX 35 News. 

Was the evidence presented enough?

What they're saying:

The state argued Sivak's injuries should be heavily considered.

"Strongest evidence is objectively Dr. Sivak's injuries," said the state attorney.

Sivak testified last week there was a disagreement about him walking on the golf cart path with his wife. He said Orobitg brutally attacked him over it.

"My ear was split in two and required stitches," said Sivak. He also said he suffered rib injuries and fractures to his face.

Orobitg gave his account on Wednesday. He agreed there was a fight, but said Sivak approached him aggressively when he asked the couple to move off the course, not the golf path.

Orobitg said he never used a golf club in the fight and claims Sivak tried to use one on him. He said he only fought to try to get away and protect his son.

"Hand started hurting, and I'm thinking this is my livelihood to support my family," Orobitg said. "Started using my legs and feet to push and kick to try to get away."

The defense argued Orobitg didn't use deadly force, but would have been justified if he had based on their account of Sivak's actions.

Orobitg declined an interview after the hearing.

Sivak told FOX 35 News he told the truth on the stand.

"I know I told the truth," he said. "I know my wife told the truth. That's all I can say, and I hope and pray for the right decision from the court."

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The Source: This story was written based on information gathered from previous reporting, as well as from the case testimony presented to Lake County Judge Heidi Davis.

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