Skip to content
Timothy Jones Jr.- Case Archive
personpersonChrystal BallentineChrystal BallentineFormer babysitter for the Jones children who later had a relationship with Timothy Ray Jones, Jr.← All People
Witness

Chrystal Ballentine

Courtroom still of Chrystal Ballentine.

Former babysitter for the Jones children who later had a relationship with Timothy Ray Jones, Jr.

Appeared2019 Murder Trial
143 lines·6 proceedings·3 mentions

About

Chrystal Ballentine testified for the defense on Day 21 about her relationship with Timothy Ray Jones, Jr., including having babysat for him and later lived with him. She described increasing control over her clothing and household life, sounds heard from another room that she thought could have involved a speakerphone, and a later visit when she found the home cluttered and Jones unusually unkempt.

Her direct examination included Defense Exhibit 267, her signed prior statement. The parties disputed whether an adequate foundation had been laid, and the exhibit was admitted subject to objection. Ballentine said she had not seen symptoms of insanity and distinguished unusual appearance and stress from insanity.

On cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Ballentine about the discipline she observed toward the children, Jones's alcohol and marijuana use, and his awareness of reality, surroundings, and right and wrong. She testified that she saw bruises and heard punishment through the walls. On redirect, she said Jones gave her few details about his family and was depressed after his divorce while trying to adjust to being a single father.

Key Points

Trial Record (6)

Trial 12019 Murder TrialApr 29, 2019 – Jun 13, 2019Called by defense

Chrystal Ballentine testified on Day 21 about living with Timothy Ray Jones, Jr., her observations of his household conduct, and the discipline she saw or heard involving the children.

Day 18

Day 21

DirectChrystal Ballentine — DirectChrystal BallentineBoyd Young3highlights81lines spoken

Summary

Chrystal Ballentine described Jones as increasingly controlling, disputed parts of her prior statement about his behavior, and Defense Exhibit 267 was admitted subject to objection.

Highlights (3)

Quote“Yeah. He got more stricter, more controllive. He wanted things done his way. A lot of things changed. He didn't want me to dress the way I did. He didn't want me to -- he was just really controllive over a lot of things.”— Chrystal BallentineBallentine described a change in Jones's behavior and control over her clothing choices.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶
confrontationBallentine disputed descriptions in the officer-written statement suggesting Jones conversed with himself or answered another person, saying he often had his phone and that she had not seen symptoms of insanity.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶
CrossChrystal Ballentine — CrossChrystal BallentineSuzanne Mayes2highlights57lines spoken

Summary

Chrystal Ballentine described harsh discipline and bruising she said she observed, while testifying that the defendant appeared aware of reality and right and wrong.

Highlights (2)

Quote“His discipline. The way he would whip them, you could hear it through the walls.”— Chrystal BallentineBallentine described the severity of the discipline she said she observed in the home.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶
RedirectChrystal Ballentine — RedirectChrystal BallentineBoyd Young2highlights5lines spoken

Summary

Chrystal Ballentine said Jones mentioned his mother only briefly and appeared depressed after his divorce.

Highlights (2)

Quote“Yes, he was depressed. I could tell he was, with the divorce of his wife and everything. He was still trying to settle being a single dad. I mean, he was depressed.”— Chrystal BallentineBallentine characterized Jones as depressed in the period she observed after his divorce.Open in transcript →Watch this moment ▶

Day 30