UPDATE: Judge rules Pierce’s past criminal history can be entered as evidence

UPDATE (5/3): The judge ruled this morning that Pierce’s past criminal history in Philadelphia can be entered as evidence…

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A special hearing wrapped up before 4:00 Friday afternoon in the Anthony Pierce murder trial; to see if certain evidence can be used.

The prosecution wants 4 Philadelphia police officers to testify in the presence of the jury. The officers responded to a 1994 armed robbery in which Pierce was involved. Pierce’s partner in crime shot one of the officers, and police fired back, killing him. Pierce was arrested, and served 10 years for that crime.

The prosecution argued that Pierce’s robbery in Philadelphia is similar to his chase in Wilmington because he fled from police in both events; and both times his crime lead to someone’s death.

“No one can more fully appreciate that his flight from police might have deadly consequences than a man who’s already spent more than a decade in prison for doing it once before,” said New Hanover County District Attorney, Ben David.

No decision was made today. The trial continues Monday morning, when Judge Phyllis Gorham will decide what evidence can be used in front of the jury.