Rape Suspect Represents Self, Cross Examines Victims During Trial
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – The highly anticipated trial for a man accused of entering four women's home and raping them got underway Tuesday.
Dozens of people showed up at the courthouse downtown.
It's an emotional case because there are so many victims, but also because it's highly charged.
In addition to that, the defendant is representing himself meaning that the victims would have to not only face him again, but answer his questions.
For months the rapes in Ross Township made headlines.
A masked man entering homes forced women to have sex with him.
Eventually Arthur Henderson was arrested and charged in every case, including one in Hopewell, which started the entire spree.
That victim was the first to testify in court Tuesday.
Henderson faces more than 50 counts in all and is representing himself.
Tuesday the jury heard statements that he's not guilty, according to Henderson.
But the prosecution said he not only took the women's bodies, he took their dignity as well.
Victim no. 1 said she never saw her attackers face. During the trial she testified, "I kept saying, 'Why are you doing this to me?' I kept telling him, 'Please don't do this to me.' I was on my knees, he had the gun to my head."
But under cross examination by Henderson, she said, "You had the gun pointed at me."
She cried several times, but grew more defiant as the suspect questioned her.
Testimony is expected to continue Wednesday.
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