Jurors load on LK Transit buses for 25 minute trip to crime scene, accompanied by Sheriff Allen Parsons and Deputy Ron Bandy
Cpl. Doug Starcher of the State Police begins jury view
of Groves-Hicks murder house on Little Bear Fork
By Bob Weaver
The Ronnie Rush murder trial, now in a third day, moved to Little Bear Fork along US 33-119 yesterday afternoon for a jury view of the Groves-Hicks scene on Little Bear Fork.
Judge Thomas Evans III carefully laid the ground rules for the twelve jurors and two alternates, before they boarded two buses.
Evans has reminded the court several times in the past three days "This is a serious crime that requires serious attention," referring to the murder of Ward Groves and his ex-wife, Mary Hicks.
Evans told the jurors they were not to talk with each other about the case, nor were they to talk with the numerous other principals who also went to the scene.
"The only person who will be talking will be Cpl. Doug Starcher who will be giving the tour," said Evans, explaining that the trooper would be using lists to describe areas, items and locations related to the crime scene.
Evans said the location of the furniture has changed with a new owner, but the physical building is essentially the same.
Judge Evans (right) views parking area close to
Groves-Hicks house, where some evidence was obtained
Jurors and principals crowd on deck-porch prior to
touring house, with Ronnie Rush, the defendant, far right
Judge Evans was accompanied by the court reporter,
prosecutors Matt Minney and Frank Giggenbach, Jr., defense attorneys Shannon Baldwin and Teresa Monk and the defendant, Ronnie Rush.
Sheriff Allen Parsons, Deputy Ron Bandy, Cpl. Doug Starcher and Police Chief Ron Gordon, went to the jury view.
Cpl. Starcher led the jurors from the parking area where evidence was taken to a deck-porch attached to the house, explaining where various photos were taken and exhibits located.
The tour continued through the house, including the bedrooms where the victims were discovered and upstairs where Ronnie Rush had been sleeping.
The trial will continue Monday, and is expected to go through Wednesday.
SEE additional story about yesterday's proceeding.
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