Testimony: Cusic told police, reporter different versions of night he killed mother

CEDAR RAPIDS - Edward Cusic told a police officer that he killed his mother with a crowbar because she came at him with a dagger. But five days later, he told a reporter in a jailhouse interview it was a gun, according to court testimony Wednesday.

Cusic, on trial this week in Linn County District Court for first-degree murder in the death of his 68-year-old mother, Anita Labkon, on Dec. 7, 2012, told Cedar Rapids Officer Ryan Harrelson that his mother had two loaded guns in the house, but she came at him with a dagger. He got a crowbar to defend himself, he said.

Jeff Raasch, a former Gazette public safety reporter, testified that Cusic told him in an interview that his mother pointed a gun at him and said, 'I'll send you straight to hell.” Cusic told him he loved his mother and hit her once, not intending to kill her.

Cusic, 47, is accused of beating Labkon to death, hitting her at least eight times - causing a broken sternum and ribs and brain injuries.

Her body was found on a bed. The crowbar was found between her feet on the floor, according to testimony.

An audio recording of Cusic in Harrelson's police car was played for jurors. In the recording, Cusic told Harrelson that his mother was 'totally whacked out on pills right now.” He said the pills were wrapped up in a sheet and the ammunition was in her main bedroom.

Former reporter Raasch testified Cusic told him his mother had multiple firearms and daggers or knives in the house. He claimed she was bipolar and suicidal, and implied she abused drugs and alcohol. Cusic also denied to him that he was on drugs or abused alcohol that day.

Raach described Cusic as relaxed and coherent during the interview. He said Cusic had a good memory of the events that night.

Police investigators testified about weapons in the house. A handgun was found under some clothes on a dresser in the bedroom but wasn't loaded. There was also a knife found, but it was underneath some towels; and a magazine for a handgun was found in a TV stand. Cedar Rapids police crime scene investigator John McDaniel said there was a pill bottle on Labkon's chest. The pills, hydrocodone, were prescribed to her husband.

Eric Petri, paramedic with Area Ambulance Service, testified he thought the placement of the bottle was unusual. He said he thought that if she had the bottle when struck, it would have been knocked away.

The trial continues at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. The prosecution is expected to wrap up its case, and the defense should begin.