Mother Of Man Accused In K-9 Officer's Fatal Stabbing Removed From Court
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) –The mother of a man accused of fatally stabbing a Pittsburgh Police dog had to be removed from court proceedings Friday morning.
John Rush's mother was removed from the courtroom when a rebuttal witness contradicted the defendant's claim that he was living in Stowe Township.
At one point she yelled from the gallery, "My son is black. There's not one black juror on the jury. This isn't fair."
Yesterday, when prosecutors asked Rush his race, he said he considers himself to be white.
He referred to his father, who is African-American, as "his mother's roommate."
KDKA-TV's Harold Hayes spoke with her outside of the courtroom.
"My son perceives himself as being white because of the color of the pigment of his skin tone. My son in the black community would not be considered a bi-racial person. Realistically, yes, my son is bi-racial. Physical appearance? No, he does not look bi-racial. Nobody in the courts knew my son's father was black until Monday morning. And it seems like ever since they've realized my son is of mixed color this whole issue with the race has come into play," Renee Rush said.
The jury in the trial of John Rush deliberated Friday, but did not come to a decision.
At one point, the jury asked the judge whether Rush's alleged flight from police can be considered a element in the charge of burglary. He's accused of breaking into the apartment building where the arrest took place.
During closing arguments, defense attorney Aaron Sontz told the jury, "If the police version was true, you wouldn't be sitting here because John Rush would be dead. An officer testified he didn't see a knife in Rush's hand, so he didn't use his gun."
Rush, though admitted he used the knife against Rocco the dog. Rocco died as a result of those injuries. Rush claims he never intended to kill the dog.
Sontz also claimed the Rocco's partner, K-9 Officer Philip Lerza "manufactured" the stab would on his shoulder, which he says was caused by Rush.
Prosecutor Jennifer DiGiovanni told the jury the defense version, "is nothing but a story, made up and unbelievable. He wants you the believe Lerza stabbed himself. That is incredible. It's preposterous."
Rush took the stand in his own defense on Thursday and said police are lying. He said he was trying to protect himself from Rocco when he fatally stabbed him.
Rush contradicts police accounts that they shouted warnings, and that he never responded.
Testimony of defendant John Rush:"I heard them say, 'Pittsburgh Police, sound off now or I'll send the dog.' I yelled, 'I'm John Rush. I'm down here. Don't send the dog!'"
Rush: "I saw the dog coming toward me pretty fast."
Defense attorney: "They say you jumped out Nd attacked the dog. Is that true?"
Rush: "No. I started reaching for my pocket knife. I turned sideways. I tried to swing at the dog and I missed him. I swung back and hit the dog and the dog gave a loud yell."
Defense attorney: "Did you intend to kill the dog?"
Rush: "No. I just wanted to get the dog away from me."
"I saw the guns drawn so I threw the knife away. Next thing I know I was hit in the head with a flashlight. I was also kicked and punched."
"I didn't try to punch or stab anybody. I tried to get into a defensive posture. At one point they held both my arms out pulled up my shirt and tased me."
Rush: "I never had an altercation with (Sheriff's Deputy) Herb."
Prosecutor:" "So it's just a big coincidence that he identified you and you happened to be in Lawrenceville?"
Rush: "Yes."
Jury deliberations will resume again Monday.
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