Witness for the Prosecution

by Tolstoy (the parrot)

“Bud” faithfully remembered and recreated the fateful scene when his beloved human father was killed.

From the Detroit News:

The family gave a local TV reporter a videotape that appeared to show Bud imitating two people in an argument. Clinging to the outside of his cage, the parrot’s voice changes back and forth during the two-minute video.

“Shut up” and “Get your (expletive) over here,” he squawked. And then: “Don’t (expletive) shoot.”

(…)

Asked why the family finally shared it with WOOD-TV in May, Keller said she hoped it would spur public interest and push police into making an arrest.

(…)

The TV report about the beaked murder witness drew attention around the world and, three weeks later, Glenna was arrested.

Newaygo County Prosecutor Bob Springstead denied that all the publicity hastened the arrest. But it allowed him to learn all about African greys, he said, tongue in cheek.

He said he has no intention of calling the parrot to the witness stand. For one thing, how would you swear him in?

“Are you raising a wing? A foot?” he asked.

(Very funny. You wouldn’t have a case if it wasn’t for Bud.)