RUSH PLEADS GUILTY IN PLEA DEAL

(06/25/2010)
Calhoun resident Ronnie Rush, 23, entered guilty pleas today for the 2003 murders of Ward Groves, 69, and Mary Hicks, 60, a case that has had a rocky road in the court system because of WV State Police bungling.

The plea agreement for voluntary manslaughter was presented to Judge Thomas Evans III, who had been prepared to hear a third Jury trial on July 6.

Other charges were dropped.

Rush appears to now be facing 3-30 years, according to how the sentencing is meted by Judge Evans. He has already been incarcerated for seven years, and will be given credit for time served.

Following procedural processing of Rush's plea agreement, Judge Evans asked him, "Are you pleading guilty because you are guilty?"

Rush responded, "Yes, your honor."

Sentencing will be scheduled following a 60-day evaluation at Anthony Center.

More to follow...