Trial Opens Monday in Brutal Home Invasion

Defendant Rejected a Plea Deal Last Week

The trial opens Monday for the final defendant charged in last year's home invasion slaying of a Philadelphia businessman Robert Chae in his suburban home.

Julius Wise, 34, last week rejected a plea deal in the January 2009 death of Mr. Chae, 58. He is charged with second-and third-degree murder in the robbery that terrorized Chae's wife and two adult children in their Montgomery County home. Prosecutors say Chae suffocated in the garage after he was bound with duct tape.

Prosecutors allege that Wise helped plan the crime and later disposed of bloody clothing and other items. A jury was chosen in Lackawanna County.

Joseph Page and Amatadi Latham accused of entering the home that morning were convicted and are serving life terms; a third man was acquitted. Three others, including Chae's 25-year-old nephew, reached plea deals and are awaiting sentencing.

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Copyright AP - Associated Press
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