Teen takes stand, breaks down in murder trial
KENOSHA, Wis. — Kyle Rittenhouse testified Wednesday that a man he is accused of murdering threatened to kill him on an evening of violent protests in Kenosha final 12 months after the police capturing of Jacob Blake.
Rittenhouse, 18, broke down as he described the occasions of Aug. 25, 2020, that led to him fatally capturing Joseph Rosenbaum, 36. Rittenhouse can be accused of murdering Anthony Huber, 26, and wounding Gaige Grosskreutz, 27.
The Illinois teenager was calm to start out his testimony however started to cry earlier than the decide referred to as for a morning break within the trial.
Rittenhouse’s attorneys have claimed his acts have been self-defense as he feared for his life that night. He faces counts of intentional, reckless and tried murder and will get life in jail if convicted.
The way it occurred:A visual timeline of violence in Kenosha after police shooting of Jacob Blake
Rittenhouse mentioned Rosenbaum screamed, “If I catch any of you (expletives) alone I’m going to (expletive) kill you!” and later mentioned, “I’m going to chop your (expletive) hearts out!”
The testimony came a day after the state rested and the defense began their case.
By way of a lot the primary 5 days of testimony, cellphone video and testimony from numerous members did little to undermine the protection’s assertion Rittenhouse acted in self-defense. Nevertheless, new drone video and a health worker’s rationalization of gunshot wounds on Tuesday might have superior the prosecution’s on the primary murder.
Contributing: The Related Press.