Pocono News Section

Triple Murder Suspect Signs Guilty Plea but Changes His Mind

Triple Murder Suspect Signs Guilty Plea but Changes His Mind - Monday, March 8, 2010 at 5:30PM EST

Reported by: Eric Deabill
Monday, Mar 8, 2010 @ 06:30pm EST
SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY - The suspect in a Scranton triple murder case agreed to plead guilty Monday afternoon but then changed his mind at the last minute before a judge.

Randal Rushing changed his mind after talking with his family. He says he still wants to go to trial.

It was an emotional afternoon at the Lackawanna County courthouse. Rushing had signed his guilty plea forms. The families of his victims were in the courthouse but it was all for nothing.

The plea called for Rushing to plead guilty to three counts of first-degree murder. It would have saved him from facing the death penalty. Rushing's mother and aunt attended the courthouse proceedings.

"We had spent most of the day going over the plea and in the 11th hour he decided not to enter a plea," defense attorney Paul Ackourey said. "He wants his day in court."

Rushing is accused of using a knife and hammer to kill Justin Berrios and brothers Dustin Hintz and Leslie Collier inside a Scranton home in 2008.

For the first time, Rushing addressed the judge Monday afternoon.

In announcing his decision NOT to plead guilty, he said "at this time, I feel my counsel is lacking of helping me. There are issues I'd like to raise," Rushing said.

Prosecutors say they're ready to take the case to a jury and they insist Monday's deal is off the table.

"We're prepared to go to trial. From this point on, he's got to plead guilty to the entire information. All the other charges that are on there because I'm not gonna fool around with this guy anymore," District Attorney Andy Jarbola said.

Family members of the victims left the courthouse without making any comments. This latest twist in the two-year saga is taking its toll on them.

"You talk to the family, the victims and you get them geared up that he was gonna plead guilty, then like you said, at the 11th hour he gets into the courtroom and decides not to and its very disheartening for them," Jarbola said.

Disheartening, but Rushing's right, according to the judge.

"He wants to hear the evidence. He wants to challenge the evidence. We'll be putting up a very vigourous defense," Ackourey said.