Antwon Rose Killing: Judge In Homicide Trial Recuses Himself

PITTSBURGH, PA - The judge assigned to the criminal homicide trial of East Pittsburgh police officer Michael Rosfeld recused himself Wednesday, a week after being asked to do so by Rosfeld’s attorney.

Defense attorney Patrick Thomassey made the request because Judge Anthony Mariani had made comments about Rosfeld shooting Antwon Rose, 17, on a news program on Pittsburgh cable station PCNC. Mariani made the comments before being assigned to the case.

Thomassey contended Mariani suggested that a video shot by a bystander might indicate the shooting wasn’t justified.

Rosfeld shot Rose to death June 19 as the Woodland Hills High School student fled from a traffic stop. Rosfeld had stopped the vehicle because it had been involved in a drive-by shooting minutes before in North Braddock.

Rose, 17, was unarmed when he was shot and authorities have said Rose didn't fire any shots during the drive-by. Another passenger in the vehicle, Zaijuan Hester, 17, was charged in the North Braddock shooting.

The recusal means a new judge will be assigned to the case. It’s unclear whether that could delay the start of Rosfeld’s trial scheduled for Feb. 26.

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