PITTSBURGH — It doesn't happen often, but when a defendant in a murder case takes the stand, you can hear a pin drop in the courtroom.
It happened Friday when Derek Vasos testified in Allegheny County court.
He was on the witness stand for more than two hours, periodically pausing and apologizing to the jury for his tears.
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Vasos is on trial for the February murder of Donald Ketter Jr. outside Lit, a Carrick members-only club. He testified today that he fired from the front seat of an Uber in self-defense.
"He was aggressive,” Vasos said. “He came through the window at me. I was scared to death, in fear of my life. I ducked and drew my firearm from my left coat pocket, aiming upward."
Vasos was less emotional answering questions from the prosecution.
"Did Mr. Ketter ever say he was going to kill you, choke you, strike you or punch you?” a prosecutor asked.
"No, sir, he did not,” Vasos replied.
"After you fired, did you call 911?" he was asked.
"No, sir, I did not," Vasos said.
Channel 11 asked Vasos’ defense attorney to explain why Vasos didn't just call 911.
"Look, he called a Pittsburgh police officer,” said Phil DiLucente. “I don't know what more we can expect from our citizens other than to call law enforcement when something’s unannounced, unprovoked and it just falls upon you.”
Vasos said the police officer he called is a longtime friend.
The atmosphere during the trial has been so tense and there's been so much bitterness on both sides that spectators are told the leave the courthouse by different exits.
The jury should get the case sometime Monday.
Cox Media Group
