SEATTLE -- A woman who survived a horrific rape and stabbing in her Seattle home two years ago told jurors Wednesday about her partner, who died in the attack.
The woman took the stand in the aggravated murder and rape trial of Isaiah Kalebu, who is charged in the case. Kalebu has been barred from the trial due to prior outbursts and was not in the courtroom during her testimony.
The woman, who is not being identified, frequently flashed a broad smile as she told the jury of how her relationship with Teresa Butz blossomed. She explained that the two were just two months from their committment ceremony.
This is everything I've ever wanted and I'm happy, she told jurors. I have such an incredible human being in my life.
But she broke down when she described how the two planned to have children together.
She described Butz as a fun-loving woman who had a lovely voice but didn't like to sing, and who hated missing church to play on her recreational softball team.
Kalebu is accused of randomly breaking into the women's house and attacking them. Prosecutors said Butz, 39, andher girlfriend were sleeping Sunday morning, July 19, 2009, inside their home in the 700 block of South Rose Street. At about 3 a.m., a man entered the home, held them captive, raped and assaulted them.
The attacker slashed both women with a knife and fatally injured Butz. The woman said she and Butz prayed for mercy.
When I breathed out I said, 'Let us live,' she recalled for the jury.
Kalebu has a history of mental illness.
