May 6, 2004 By Jennifer Harr 2 min read

Hours before testimony began in a quadruple homicide case, the attorney for the man accused filed notice that his client was elsewhere when the killing occurred. The one-page court document, called a notice of alibi defense, indicates that Mark D. Edwards was in Uniontown with Denise Shuford and Delmar Jones when four members of the Bobish family were killed and another brutally assaulted. The Bobishes were killed in their 323 Kennedy St. Ext., North Union Township, home.

Both Shuford and Jones will likely be called as witnesses to testify on Edwards’ behalf.

Before the trial began, District Attorney Nancy D. Vernon objected to the belated notice filed by defense attorney Susan Ritz Harper. Judge John F. Wagner Jr., however, said he would note the objection and told Vernon to have her office investigate the claim. Prosecutors must notify Harper within seven days if they find any witnesses to discredit the alibi claim, and intend to call them as witnesses.

Edwards, 21, of South Union Township is accused of fatally shooting Larry Bobish Sr., Joanna Bobish and their daughter, Krystal Bobish, whose killing resulted in the death of her unborn child. State police trooper John Marshall charged that Edwards also shot and then cut the neck of Larry Bobish Jr., who escaped the family’s home after Edwards allegedly set it on fire.

If convicted of first-degree murder in the April 14, 2002, killings, Edwards could face the death penalty.

In opening remarks Wednesday, Vernon, trying the case with deputy prosecutor Gene Grimm, acknowledged that Joanna and Krystal Bobish were using a drug called “wet,” which is basically embalming fluid. Hurting for money, Vernon said Bobish Sr. started selling it.

“They entered into a world they were unaccustomed to,” Vernon said.

On April 12, 2002, Vernon said Bobish Sr. told one vial of the drug to Edwards, who allegedly returned later for more, and took the drug by force from the family. She alleged he killed them to cover it up.

Harper, who did not mention the alibi in her opening remarks, urged jurors to keep an open mind as they are faced with the violent nature of the case. She also urged the panel to evaluate the testimony of Bobish Jr. the same as they would another witnesses.

“You can’t just accept his testimony because he’s a child or because he’s lived through what he has lived through,” Harper said.