Suspect may testify in Sled murder trial

The prosecutor in the Vladimir Sled murder trial said yesterday he expects the upcoming trial of two of the defendants in the case to include testimony from the third -- who has already admitted to being the one who stabbed Sled to death. Eugene Harrison, 33, and Yvette Stewart, 30, are being tried together one month from tomorrow on second-degree murder and robbery charges for the October 31, 1996 slaying of the University biochemist near 43rd Street and Larchwood Avenue, as well as the robbery earlier that day of a Philadelphia Daily News driver. The third defendant, 26-year-old Bridgette Black, is not contesting her role in the murder and will have a "degree-of-guilt" hearing on May 13, in which she will essentially admit her role in the killing and ask a judge to decide exactly what she is guilty of. The prosecution believes that Black stabbed the Russian-born scientist when he fought Harrison, who was trying to rob him and his fiancee, then-University researcher Cecilia Hagerhall. Stewart allegedly waited in the getaway vehicle. Assistant District Attorney Dick Carroll said he is "anticipating [Black's] cooperation" in Harrison's and Stewart's trial, adding that a deal could be struck with her attorney, public defender Fred Goodman, by the end of next week. Goodman could not be reached for comment yesterday. Black's testimony could prove vital to the prosecution. She would be able to testify that Harrison, of the 5200 block of Arch Street, and Stewart, of the 500 block of North Allison Street, planned the robbery in advance, and that Stewart fired a gun while waiting in the car -- evidence that the alleged attackers were ready to use deadly force. Carroll has previously described that evidence as "crucial" to his case. Carroll said yesterday he plans to interview Black, of the 5100 block of Reno Street, next week to discuss her possible testimony. He emphasized that he is not offering her a plea bargain in exchange for her testimony, but an agreement would probably include a provision that Carroll appear at her sentencing to say she was helpful to the prosecution. Although she has admitted to being the one who stabbed Sled, Carroll said Black is the only one of the three defendants who has expressed remorse. In a statement allegedly given to Philadelphia police after his arrest, Harrison admitted to attempting to rob Sled, but denied any part in the murder. Stewart, meanwhile, has denied any foreknowledge of the robbery. Carroll said he believes Black will be a more effective witness since her testimony is not part of a plea agreement. Her hearing was purposely scheduled for after Harrison's and Stewart's trial -- which begins April 27 and is expected to last eight days -- so that Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Temin, who has presided over all pretrial motions, could take her potential cooperation into account when sentencing her. Harrison and Stewart's trial will probably also include testimony from Hagerhall, who now lives in Sweden. Carroll said she has been in contact with the Philadelphia Police Department over e-mail and is making plans to come back for the proceedings.

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