http://www.sun-herald.com/breakingnews.cfm?id=3629
PUNTA GORDA -- Peter Shalin hooted like a chimpanzee as he climbed a bench in the fourth-floor hallway of the Charlotte County Justice Center today.
The sun peeked through a shade, providing a pleasant glow on the white tile. The 8-year-old identified the family's car in the parking lot below while he peered out the large glass window. His focus then shifted to a nearby panel used for fire equipment.
The moments leading up to Peter's courtroom entrance seemed normal, but his mind is troubled by the events of April 25.
Peter watched as his mother, 31-year-old Yana Huss, was stabbed repeatedly by her husband, Scott, at her Port Charlotte home, according to authorities.
Now, as family members prepare to return Peter to Russia, he will testify about the events for the first time.
But it won't be before his stepfather, whom he fears will get out of jail and harm him.
Circuit Judge Frank Porter will hear closed testimony from Peter at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Scott Huss, 49, has agreed to be present in person or by remote television.
Silver said Peter didn't want to discuss the incident during the meetings. In addition, he also seemed to cope by suppressing the memories or even denying it.
But Peter's fear of his stepfather was consistent.
"(Peter) remained terrified of his stepfather," Silver said. "He seemed worried he would get out of jail and hurt him."
Scott and Yana Huss had a 2-year-old daughter, Katrina, together. Peter was born in Russia during Yana's previous marriage. Kuchinskaya has been appointed the guardian of both children.
Huss signed a document terminating his parental rights at the Charlotte County Jail on Sept. 14. According to court records, Yana's murder followed a long history of domestic disputes between the pair; at the time of the homicide, Yana was trying to divorce Scott.
Silver said taking Peter's deposition in court would reduce his ability to think clearly. In fact, another witness recalled how Peter hid underneath a table when they mentioned him testifying before Scott Huss.
Following the arguments, Porter brought Peter into the courtroom. Huss had already been removed.
Porter made small talk with Peter about his favorite candy and sport. Peter looked up at the bench and spelled his favorite activity as "s-o-c-c-e-r."