Trial Continues For Man Accused Of Robbing, Beating Elderly Woman
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The man accused of beating an elderly woman and robbing her Westmoreland County home was in court Wednesday for the second day of his trial.
The trial for 47-year-old Gregory Howard started Tuesday.
He's accused of robbing then 91-year-old Francis Tekavec's Rostraver home in October 2014.
Howard is acting as his own attorney during the trial.
Day two of the trial began with Judge Rita Hathaway sending a warning to Howard that his antics from Tuesday's session wouldn't be tolerated.
Including walking around the courtroom, apparently trying to fool Tekavec into misidentifying an officer involved in the case.
Judge Hathaway: "You are to conduct yourself appropriately."
Howard: "I'm the only black person in this courtroom. She's (Tekavec) gonna identify me. I'm being bamboozled. I'm the only black man in the courtroom. I'm gonna fight. I want my freedom."
Key testimony came from Brandon Danilchak who is also charged in the incident.
In one contentious exchange, Howard asked Danilchak about what he allegedly heard Howard say during the assault.
"Whenever you ask a question, it's manipulative," Danilchak said. "I heard you say, 'Where's the money? Where's the money?' She (Tekavec) said, 'I don't have any money.' Then, you said, 'Kill the dog! Kill the dog!"
Howard allegedly instructed a co-defendant to stab Tekavec's dog because she wasn't cooperating with them.
Also replayed was a videotape allegedly showing Howard walking with two other suspects while holding a white bag. The bag was allegedly filled with items from Tekavec after she was beaten.
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