RUSH MURDER CASE APPEALED TO SUPREME COURT

(02/22/2006)
An appeal regarding the Ronnie Rush murder case will be heard by the WV Supreme Court next Tuesday.

Rush, who was found guilty in the shooting deaths of Ward Groves and Mary Hicks in Calhoun Circuit Court, is appealing his conviction with the help of public defenders.

Teresa Monk will present the appeal.

Rush is appealing the transfer of his case to adult status and his ensuing convictions on two counts of manslaughter and one count each of first degree robbery, burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary.

He is seeking a reversal and a remand for a new trial, based on what his attorneys claim was a case that was bungled by the West Virginia State Police, demonstrated by evidence and testimony throughout the trial.

The appeal lists numerous instances where officers violated Rush's constitutional rights, alleging unprofessional behavior and misrepresentation of facts.

The hearing is carried live on the Internet through the Supreme Court web site, starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday.

More to follow...