Rape suspect confronts alleged victims in court, serving as own lawyer

By: Crimesider Staff
Topics: Daily Blotter

Arthur Lamont Henderson

/ Ross Township Police

(CBS/AP) PITTSBURGH - A Pittsburgh-area man charged with raping three women has been facing his accusers in court, cross-examining them as he stands trial.

Thirty-nine-year-old Arthur Lamont Henderson is representing himself in the case, which began Tuesday.

Henderson is charged with raping two women in their Ross Township apartments, just north of the city, and a third woman in Hopewell Township, about 20 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.

Allegheny County prosecutors say the rapes occurred last January.

Assistant District Attorney Laura Ditka tells the jurors the victims' lives were "shattered by the selfish, despicable acts of Arthur Henderson."

Henderson has denied raping the women.

Common Pleas Judge Donna Jo McDaniel has ordered Henderson to remain seated as he questions his accusers.

According to CBS Pittsburgh, one of the victims victim testified Tuesday she never saw her attacker's face, but during Henderson's cross examination she told him, "You had the gun pointed at me."

She reportedly cried several times during the testimony, but grew more defiant as the suspect questioned her.

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by wolfmagic2012 February 6, 2013 4:33 PM EST: What an idiot Judge. It was within her purview in this case to determine that these circumstances prevent a fair trial, both for the accused and the victims. Appoint the narcissistic b@st@rd a public defender and tell him if he doesn't keep his big fat mouth shut he can watch from his cell. Inexcuseable. The Judge should be recalled.; Reply to this comment