Amber Kyzer testified about her marriage and separation from Timothy Ray Jones, Jr., contact with the children, and call and video evidence. In the penalty phase, she expressed opposition to a death sentence while describing conflicted feelings about Jones.
Family
Amber Kyzer
Former wife of Timothy Ray Jones, Jr. and mother of their five children.
Appeared2019 Murder Trial
373 lines·65 proceedings·55 mentions
About
Amber Kyzer testified on Day 15 about her marriage to Timothy Ray Jones, Jr., their separation and custody arrangement, and her diminishing contact with the children in 2014. She recounted an August 28 call in which she heard Nahtahn crying, authenticated call records, voicemails, and a recorded September 2 call, and described reporting the children missing after Jones did not appear for a planned visitation.
Kyzer also identified voices on a recorded call involving Jones, his father, and Aunt Bernadine, and identified videos of Merah and Elias that she said Jones had sent to her phone. During cross-examination, she discussed church attendance, a parenting book, family videos, and Jones's behavior during the marriage. She said his anger worsened after the move to South Carolina, but also said he had been a good father and had not abused the children while they were married. On redirect, she clarified that her use of bipolar described perceived flip-flopping and worsening behavior, not a medical diagnosis.
Her testimony was interrupted when she became visibly distressed. The court denied a defense mistrial motion, preserved the relevant audio for identification, and instructed jurors to decide the case on sworn testimony and evidence rather than the effects of witness emotion.
Kyzer returned on Day 30 during the penalty phase. She described the relationship as loving at times but later volatile, said the children loved their father, and testified that she did not believe anyone had anticipated what happened. She said she could not bring herself to want anyone to die and hoped for mercy for Jones, while also saying that nothing justified what he had done to her children.
On cross-examination, Kyzer said she could not make the sentencing decision and remained opposed to the death penalty. She described alleged violence and threats during the marriage, including an incident involving an 18-wheeler, and said videos sent to her phone were an effort to manipulate her into returning home. On redirect and recross, she repeated that she did not want Jones put to death, would respect the jury's decision, and was comfortable not being the person to make it.
Key Points
Kyzer described the separation and custody arrangement, an August 28 call in which she heard Nahtahn crying, and her later efforts to contact or locate the children. [1][2]
Her testimony authenticated call records, voicemails, a recorded call, and videos sent to her phone, including her identification of voices on a call involving Jones, his father, and Aunt Bernadine. [1][2]
On cross-examination, Kyzer said Jones's anger worsened after the move to South Carolina, while also saying he had been a good father and had not abused the children during their marriage; she later clarified that bipolar was not a diagnosis. [1][2]
In the penalty phase, Kyzer said she could not want anyone to die, hoped for mercy for Jones, and said she would respect the jury's sentencing decision. [1][2][3]
Trial Record (65)
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