RIDGWAY, Pa. — A trial began Wednesday for an Elk County man accused of stabbing and killing another last year.
In opening statements, the prosecution said this case is not factually complicated.
Assistant District Attorney Tom Coppolo said the description of the events leading up to the homicide will prove Detterline did not act in self-defense.
The defense argued for the jury not to allow the testimony to “play on their sympathies,” and stated Detterline committed involuntary manslaughter.
Testimony was heard from several witnesses including a neighbor, site manager of the Elk County Housing Authority, police, forensic pathologist and Brittany Dilley.
Officer Stefan Smith of the Johnsonburg Police Department testified he was the first officer on scene of the Harold Duffy Apartments after being dispatched for an open line.
Smith testified Detterline walked up to him and said, “I’m going to jail, I stabbed him.”
Smith said it was later determined Detterline made the call to 911.
Forensic Pathologist Eric Vay testified Hicks sustained four sharp force injuries to his palm, hip, forearm and chest.
Vay said the injuries on Hicks’ palm and forearm were classified as defensive wounds.
He said Hicks died from a stab wound to his chest that punctured his heart and lung.
Brittany Dilley testified that Hicks was her fiancé, but stated she also had a relationship with Detterline.
Dilley said on Aug. 16, she got into a fight with Hicks.
Dilley testified she and Detterline locked Hicks out of the house to have sex.
She said Hicks was pounding on the doors and Detterline stated, “If Ricky comes in, I’m going to stab him.”
Detterline also took the stand in his own defense.
Detterline testified he and Hicks got along but had several physical fights in the past.
He said Hicks was threatening him through the door and he eventually got inside through an upstairs window.
Detterline said he thought Hicks would see the knife and it would scare him, but it didn’t.
According to Detterline’s testimony, Hicks slammed him into a wall and he stabbed him to get Hicks to stop.
Detterline said he believes the stabbing was justified because Hicks has attacked him before.
Detterline testified he wasn’t trying to kill Hicks, but was trying to stop him from punching him.
The trial continues Thursday with closing arguments.
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