Defense in Rite Aid murder trial lasts 10 minutes

Assistant District Attorney Christopher DiRosato took seven days, questioned 32 witnesses, and presented 105 exhibits in his prosecution of three defendants accused in the 2013 slaying of a Delaware County Rite Aid store manager.

On Monday afternoon, it was time for the three defense attorneys to present evidence and call witnesses.

They took about 10 minutes.

On Sept. 19, Jason Scott McClay, 40, was shot and killed in an apparent robbery at the Chester Rite Aid. The Navy veteran and Haverford High School graduate wasn't scheduled to work that night. He filled in for another coworker.

Within hours of the slaying, detectives began to identify suspects. Rita Pultro, 24; David Wiggins, 25; and Tariq Mahmud, 24, were arrested and charged with murder, robbery, and conspiracy.

Two other defendants, Ashaniere White, 21, and Christopher Parks, 23, have pleaded guilty to third-degree murder, robbery, and conspiracy, but have not been sentenced. Both testified for the prosecution in the trial. All of the defendants are from Philadelphia.

Mahmud was not there the night Pultro allegedly fired the gun and killed McClay. Wiggins allegedly assisted in that failed robbery. White helped to plan the robbery, and Parks drove the car.

On Monday, Pultro, Wiggins, and Mahmud chose not to take the stand.

Mahmud's attorney, Eugene P. Tinari, called his client's mother and sister as character witnesses. Wiggins' attorney, Debra D. Rainey, and Pultro's attorney, William P. Wismer, did not call any witnesses.

Closing arguments are expected to take most of Tuesday. Judge George Pagano told the jury he expects it will begin its deliberations Wednesday.