SEATTLE (AP) — A man on trial for the vicious stabbings of a lesbian couple in Seattle two years ago says he wants to testify in his own defense.
KOMO-TV reports that Isaiah Kalebu told the judge about his plans Monday when the prosecution rested its case — and he asked the judge to be wrapped in an American flag to hide his shackles when he does so.
Kalebu is charged with aggravated murder, attempted murder, rape and burglary in a July 2009 stabbing attack on two women at their home in the South Park neighborhood. Teresa Butz died of her wounds; her partner survived and has testified that Kalebu was the attacker.
He’s been so disruptive in court that the judge has so far banned him from attending his own trial. He’s been watching from another courtroom on closed-circuit video.
The judge set a hearing for Tuesday to review the contents of the testimony.
