GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The trial of a 19-year-old accused of killing a Wyoming high school student started off on a strange note.
Mitchell Savickas is one of the suspects in the murder of Isaiah Blue, 17, in January. Tuesday, Savickas announced that he was going to go without representation and defend himself.
Kevin Bramble, the prosecuting attorney representing Kent County, says he's never seen a defendant represent themselves in their own murder trial. Savickas is charged with murder, three counts of armed robbery and others related charges. He is one of three suspects in Blue's murder.
Blue was a junior at Kelloggsville High School. Police say he was followed off a Rapid bus by three people, including Savickas. Savickas along with Daniel Benavides, have been charged with robbery and murder, accused of shooting at Blue as he ran from an attempted robbery. Charges against the third, Bryshaun Scott, were dismissed.
Scott testified against Savickas Tuesday, telling the jury he was aware of the weapons taken onto the bus. He claimed Blue and Savickas had "problems in the past" during their time in juvenile detention.
Others taking the stand Tuesday included Savickas's girlfriend, friends of Blue, the first responding police officer and others involved in the investigation.
Many of Blue's family were in court Tuesday. Benavides is also expected to testify against Blue. The prosecutor says that the forensics in the case will be presented Wednesday.
