PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — The Knoxville man charged in connection with the beating death of an 11-year-old boy earlier this month was in court Friday morning for a preliminary hearing.

Anthony Bush, 29, is being charged with homicide in connection with the case.

“I have a job to do, the detectives have a job to do and that’s getting justice for Donovan McKee,” said Deputy District Attorney Mark Tranquilli said of the testimony during Bush’s hearing.

During sworn testimony, a Pittsburgh homicide detective said Bush admitted to beating the 11-year-old inside the Knoxville apartment they shared on Feb 12.

According to investigators, Bush told police that he broke three sticks over the boy’s head and body, and then told the child to clean up the splinters.

Investigators say Bush told detectives that he was sorry and a monster.

Now comes the decision whether this will be a death penalty case or not.

“The resources of the Commonwealth will be put to better use identifying and assisting at-risk children than they would be reeking vengeance on a human being,” said defense attorney Lisa Middleman.

The Commonwealth has six weeks to determine whether or not they are going to seek the death penalty.

Meanwhile, Bush is being held without bond.

RELATED LINKS:
DA Will Pursue Death Penalty In Boy’s Beating Death, If Possible (2/113/12)
Beating Victim’s Mother Questioned By Pittsburgh Police (2/14/12)
Other Related Stories