No verdict yet from Kuzak case jury

August 16, 2012 12:34 am

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The jury deliberating the case against two men accused of shooting a Clairton police officer during a home invasion last year went home Wednesday without reaching a verdict.

Jurors had asked Wednesday afternoon to hear recorded statements given by one of the defendants and his fiancee, as well as recordings made between him and a confidential informant.

The defendants are Marcus Andrejco, 19, of Rankin and Emilio Rivera, 27, of McKees Rocks. Jurors began their deliberations Tuesday morning after three full weeks of trial.

The jurors asked to hear the recorded statement of Mr. Andrejco, in which he admitted his involvement in the Miller Avenue incident that led to the shooting and paralysis of Officer James Kuzak.

Later, the jurors returned to the courtroom asking to hear recordings involving Mr. Rivera.

Mr. Rivera also confessed in his statement. His fiancee, who told police of Mr. Rivera's involvement, testified at trial that she lied to investigators and simply told them what they wanted to hear so they would not take her young son from her.

Both defendants have claimed their confessions were coerced and that they were not involved in the April 4, 2011, incident.


First Published August 16, 2012 12:00 am

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