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More than three years after Michael Jennings confessed to the murder of one of Columbus, Ohio's leading female impersonators, Jennings's trial began Monday with a detailed description from the only eyewitness to the attack.
The next thing I remember is waking up with Gary screaming, Help, get him off me, said Brian Bass, testifying about the early morning hours of May 17, 2002, when his former roommate, Gary McMurtryknown among Columbus's gay men and lesbians as Brazonwas killed. Bass, 48, told the court he awoke, put on his shorts, and opened his door when he was confronted by a masked man dressed in a ninja type black outfit in his hallway. He said he grappled with the intruder before the intruder pulled a sword from a sheath strapped to his back.
Bass, who received defensive wounds on his palms from the sword, said he saw McMurtry lying on the floor, balled up in a fetal position. McMurtry, 36, had been slashed 13 times, receiving a fatal blow through his liver and heart.
A former Miss Gay Columbus, McMurtry was known for his quick wit and love of Dolly Parton, whose songs were played at his funeral. While comedic and sometimes surly, McMurtry is also credited by many with giving time and raising thousands of dollars for local gay and AIDS charities.
Although Jennings admitted killing McMurtry, the former male stripper entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. In May he and his defense attorneys waived his right to a jury trial, opting for a three-judge panel to hear the case.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid19946.asp
The next thing I remember is waking up with Gary screaming, Help, get him off me, said Brian Bass, testifying about the early morning hours of May 17, 2002, when his former roommate, Gary McMurtryknown among Columbus's gay men and lesbians as Brazonwas killed. Bass, 48, told the court he awoke, put on his shorts, and opened his door when he was confronted by a masked man dressed in a ninja type black outfit in his hallway. He said he grappled with the intruder before the intruder pulled a sword from a sheath strapped to his back.
Bass, who received defensive wounds on his palms from the sword, said he saw McMurtry lying on the floor, balled up in a fetal position. McMurtry, 36, had been slashed 13 times, receiving a fatal blow through his liver and heart.
A former Miss Gay Columbus, McMurtry was known for his quick wit and love of Dolly Parton, whose songs were played at his funeral. While comedic and sometimes surly, McMurtry is also credited by many with giving time and raising thousands of dollars for local gay and AIDS charities.
Although Jennings admitted killing McMurtry, the former male stripper entered a plea of not guilty by reason of insanity. In May he and his defense attorneys waived his right to a jury trial, opting for a three-judge panel to hear the case.
http://www.advocate.com/news_detail_ektid19946.asp
