COMMONWEALTH VS STRODE

The trial of Commonwealth vs. William Horac Strode, Jr. began today in Courtroom #5. Strode faces one count each of Criminal Attempt/Rape, Aggravated Assault, and Burglary following an April 23, 2006 incident at a residence in East Bradford (CP-15-CR-0002002-2006).

In testimony during the afternoon, the alleged victim testified that she and the defendant attended a fire company function at the Italian Social Club in West Chester. When they returned to her house, he dropped her off and left the property. He then drove to a nearby property, waited several minutes while the victim went inside to do some household chores before going to bed.

Shortly after midnight, the victim heard a bucket in the basement fall to the ground, then the power going out on her property. She hadn't thought anything of either incident at the time since she suspected the cats were down in the basement and that it was raining that night, hence the possible power failure.

A few minutes later, Strode allegedly entered the victim's bedroom, got on top of her and attempted to choke her by covering one hand around her mouth and his other hand around her neck. After pleading with Strode, he eventually loosened his grip and released her. At that point, she fled from the bedroom. Shortly thereafter, Strode allegedly admitted to her that he had intended to choke her out, have sex with her, and that if he "had gone too far, he would've performed CPR."

As they were on the porch after the incident, Ofc. Carl McIntyre had pulled up investigating an unrelated shots fired incident in the area. After briefly inquiring if the defendant or victim had heard any gun shots, one of them indicated it was fireworks and Ofc. McIntyre proceeded on.

About an hour and a half later, after the inital contact with Ofc. McIntyre, the alleged victim called her daughter and her son to tell them what happened. The victim's son pressed her to call police. At that point, Ofc. McIntyre returned to the location to get the victim's statement. The victim relayed the events to Ofc. McIntyre, then went to her son's house for the night.

That evening, at around 19:30, Ofc. McIntyre made contact with Strode, who voluntarily came to WCPD headquarters for an interview. Strode then voluntarily provided a written statement to Ofc. McIntyre about the events the previous night. Ofc. McIntyre testified that he chose not to arrest Strode until he voluntarily came in for an interview, though he did advise the day shift about the incident.

The Commonwealth rested it's case this afternoon. Tomorrow morning, the defense is expected to present it's case (if any) and closing arguements are expected to take place. The jury should get the case by late tomorrow morning.