Two will be tried in slaying of Strawberry Mansion couple

Two men charged in the July slayings of a Strawberry Mansion couple waived their rights Tuesday to a preliminary hearing.

Terry Ballard, 27, and Justen Smith, 19, told Municipal Court Judge Patrick F. Dugan that they would proceed directly to trial.

Ballard and Smith are charged with murder in the July 16 slayings of Rufus and Gladys Perry in their home in the 2500 block of Spangler Street.

According to police, Ballard grew up two blocks from the Perrys, and his grandmother was close to the couple.

The two men had been partying since July 4, police said, and had blown their money on marijuana and in Atlantic City. Police said they returned to Philadelphia hoping to get money to get back to Western Pennsylvania, where Smith was from and where Ballard had lived for several years.

The two men went to the Perry house, where police said Gladys Perry, 66, recognized Ballard and let him inside in the apparent belief his grandmother sent him to help with chores.

When Perry caught Ballard rummaging through the kitchen, police allege, Ballard punched Perry, dragged her into the living room, and strangled her.

Rufus Perry, 79, came to his wife's aid, police said, and Smith punched him and held a pillow to his face. When Rufus Perry did not die, police alleged, Ballard grabbed the pillow and smothered him.

The pair left the house after allegedly stealing a change jar, containing $120 in coins, and a gold chain Rufus Perry had around his neck.