Twenty minutes into the jury's deliberations following the conclusion of the Cyril Wecht trial late Monday in Pittsburgh, the jury sent Judge Arthur Schwab a note demanding the release of an insurrectionist named Barabbas instead of Dr. Wecht. The judge summoned the jury to return to the courtroom where he questioned them about the note. "I have received your note calling for the release of a Mr. Barabbas instead of Dr. Wecht," the judge noted. "What am I to do with Dr. Wecht?"
The jury shouted, "Crucify him!"
"Now see here," the judge chided the jury, "I see no cause to put this man to death. I am ordering you to return to the deliberation room and to put this Barabbas nonsense out of your heads." A bailiff led the jury back to the deliberation room.
Approximately one-half hour later, the judge received another note from the jury demanding Barabbas's release in terms more vociferous than the first, as shown by the use of all capital letters. While he was reading the note Judge Schwab's wife entered his chambers to implore him not to harm Dr. Wecht. "I had a dream about this man, and know that he is innocent."
Judge Schwab sent the jury home for the evening and reportedly is considering the jury's demand. But insiders say he may recuse himself instead and allow visiting judge Pontius Pilate to assume the adjudication of the trial.
