Alleged Defenestrator: It Was a Horrible Accident

Tregg Smith, 40, has told police that he didn't mean to push his 32-year-old pal out a large bay window at least 50 feet off the ground at 776 Bush Street. His official explanation is that the victim was sitting precariously on the ledge when Smith gave him a jocular push -- and sent the man tumbling to the pavement below.

The victim tells a different story, claiming he was pushed with two hands in a move that was "definitely intentional." A witness to the incident -- a female acquaintance of the two men, according to the DA -- also says this was no accident.

During yesterday's pre-hearing conference, it was decided the pace of the trial will slow down; a scheduled Dec. 17 pre-hearing date was instead recharacterized as a preliminary meeting to decide future court dates.

"There's lots more evidence, there's 911 calls, that stuff is trickling in," said DA spokesman Brian Buckelew. "So, it made sense to put it over one more time and set the prelim date on December 17."

Following the Oct. 15 incident, Smith posted $100,000 bail on Oct. 19. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder with enhancements for great bodily injury.

Incidentally, the victim amazingly escaped a 50-foot fall with only a broken arm and dislocated shoulder. He struck a tree about 25 feet high and then fell to the pavement below.