Former Cellmate: Reese Detailed Waiting For, Shooting 'Pig'

VALPARAISO, Ind. -- A man who shared a cell with Brian Reese testified Friday that Reese had vividly described how he waited for and shot Indianapolis police Officer Jason Fishburn.

Reese, 37, is charged with attempted murder, resisting law enforcement and carrying a handgun without a license in the July 10, 2008 shooting, which happened in the 800 block of Euclid Avenue as officers pursued Reese, who was being sought in recent homicides.

On the fifth day of the trial, the prosecution called Gary Rees, no relation, who met Brian Reese in a holding cell in March of this year, 6News' Derrik Thomas reported.

The four-time convicted auto thief said Brian Reese detailed the shooting, describing how he waited around a corner until Fishburn got into view, and shot him.

Rees said that when he asked Reese why he shot Fishburn, he replied, "He's just an (expletive) pig. (Expletive) him."

Fishburn, who was shot in the head and chest, was critically wounded, and suffered likely permanent brain injuries.

Marion County Prosecutor Carl Brizzi said the testimony was key to proving Reese's intent to kill Fishburn.

"As the trial goes on, we are going to paint for the jury a pretty clear picture of who the defendant is, and the disdain he holds for police officers," he said. "He was willing to do whatever it took to get away, including attempting to kill one."

On cross examination, defense attorney Jeff Neal tried to chip away at Rees' credibility, accusing him of snitching on Reese for his own gain.

"Any time you have somebody on the stand that says something as disrespectful as a 'blanking pig' and adds a bunch of information, of course it's damaging, unless they perceive him, as I do, that he is a lying snitch," he said. "That is what he does for a living; he steals things and he lies to get benefits."

Brizzi said Rees, who is serving a six-year sentence, did not receive benefits in exchange for his testimony.

Friday also included testimony from a DNA expert who said Reese's DNA was on the gun found at the scene.

Prosecutors said they have a few more witnesses and believe the trial could go to the jury on Monday.

Reese's trial was moved to Porter County earlier this year because of pre-trial publicity.