David Webster Serenades Court at Rape Trial

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By Chelsea Kopta

Summary

The attorney was actually rapping in court. And so began the case of David Webster, representing himself on rape charges. The case is one of the longest, drawn-out, and dramatic local cases and it finally began Wednesday.

Story Published: Apr 8, 2009 at 5:36 PM PST

PASCO -- Acting as his own attorney, David Webster serenaded the courtroom. And so began the trial of David Webster, defending himself on rape charges.

The case is one of the longest, drawn-out, and dramatic local cases and it finally began Wednesday.

"Won't let go, don't let go," David Wester sang in court. "Or was it like 'take me by the hand, won't let go."

David Webster cross-examined his alleged victim Wednesday, rapping to see if the man could tell the tone of his voice from their time in a jail cell. It was there, the alleged victim said he was repeatedly raped.

Action News does not reveal the identity of sexual assault victims.

"I didn't fight back because I was afraid for my life and I knew I couldn't win a fight with him," the victim said.

The case pits a former white supremacist against an outspoken convicted felon. The alleged victim was in jail for not paying a fine. Webster is already doing 25 years for assault and murder-for-hire. Since Webster is acting as his own attorney, he was the one questioning the rape claims.

"I pulled a shank out and held it at your neck? Or I put it under the blanket? Or which one is it? I'm confused," Webster asked in cross-examination.

The two were locked in a Franklin county cell overnight.

"He told me to take my pants off and I told him 'no.' He told me to turn around and he took them off," the victim said.

The man showed several of his white power tattoos, including lightning bolts and the letters WP on his neck, but said he didn't believe in that when he shared a cell with Webster and, therefore, claims he wasn't a threat.

"I got back on the bunk and he raped me again," the man said.

Webster tried to punch holes in his testimony anywhere he could, questioning if the man's medical condition would look like he was raped. After six years and days of jury selection, the case is finally underway.

And there's no doubt, this isn't the end of the courtroom drama.

There is a standby attorney with Webster to help with legal questions but for the most part, Webster is the only one to speak for himself in court.

The trial is expected to last a month.