4.Christina Ehlke — Direct/Cross/Redirect/Recross
751 linesCHRISTINA EHLKE, being first duly sworn, testified as follows:
COURT CLERK: Once you're seated, state your full name spelling your last.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: My name is Christina Ehlke. My last name is spelled E-h-l-k-e.
DIRECT EXAMINATION By Ms. Mayes:
SUZANNE MAYES: Can you tell us a little bit about yourself. Where are you employed?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I work for United Cerebral Palsy with special needs adults.
SUZANNE MAYES: How long have you been in this role, Ms. Ehlke?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I've been with that company since December of 2015, so almost three years.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And you mentioned that you work with adults who are special needs. How long have you been in the role of a caregiver in that field?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Many, many years. Yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: Before you started working with adults --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh. (Indicated in the affirmative.)
SUZANNE MAYES: -- who had special needs, what type of work did you do?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I was a childcare provider. I worked in several childcare centers and I also kept children in my home.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. Ms. Ehlke, as a result of that job, childcare --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh. (Indicated in the affirmative.)
SUZANNE MAYES: -- how is it that you knew the Jones children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I watched the Jones children -- actually, I lived next door to Tim and the children. And I also babysat all five children in the late summer. And when the three older returned to school I had the babies, Gabe and Elaine.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to ask you about this.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
SUZANNE MAYES: Where you're seated, can you see the board over here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: You can see Merah and Eli and Nahtahn's name?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: You mentioned the babies?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, Gabe and Elaine.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you took care of them?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Tell us a little bit about Gabe. Gabriel, but you call him Gabe.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
SUZANNE MAYES: How old was Gabriel in the summer of 2014?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He was two, I believe.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And then Elaine --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- is what you called her. Are you aware of what her birth name was?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Abigail. Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And Abigail who you called Elaine, how old was she?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: One.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you mentioned when the older kids were in school you would take care of Gabe and Elaine?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: But at what point in time did you care for all five children together?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The end of the summer up until school started back in August.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. Tell us how it was that you came to be a childcare provider for the Defendant in this case, Timothy Jones?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Initially I had an ad on Craigslist, I believe, to keep children. Yeah, it was Craigslist. But I also -- my friend, Joy, was keeping the children prior to me. And she referred them back to me when she decided to stop keeping them and Tim asked me if I could.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. I'm going to stop you right there and follow-up a little bit more.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
SUZANNE MAYES: You mentioned your friend, Joy.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And what is Joy's last name?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Lorick.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And Joy had previously kept all five children --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- for Mr. Jones?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And then you mentioned that there came a point in time where she no longer was taking care of his children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
SUZANNE MAYES: And approximately when was that, Ms. Ehlke?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Approximately mid-July of 2014.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. So we're talking a period of the summer of 2014, roughly six weeks or so before they were killed?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you mentioned that you lived next door.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to ask you a little bit about that as well.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'll move this over. I'm going to show you a document and ask you whether or not you recognize it.
SUZANNE MAYES: And this would be State's 5 for evidence. No objection, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Okay. State's 5 is going to be admitted without objection. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit number 5 was admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: Can you tell us whether or not you recognize what's depicted in this photograph?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, I do.
SUZANNE MAYES: Looking here at this photograph, Ms. Ehlke --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- what roadway is this within Lexington County?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Highway 6.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And did you have anything in your home or around your residence that the children liked to play in?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Oh, yeah. I had a trampoline and I had blowup swimming pools in the back.
SUZANNE MAYES: Whose residence is this right here on the aerial photograph?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Mine.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And then whose residence is here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: That's Tim and the children.
SUZANNE MAYES: And again, just to clarify. This would be your residence here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And then this is Mr. Jones here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: South Lake Highway over there?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: So take us through, Ms. Ehlke, that summer. How often was it that you would see and communicate with Mr. Jones during the time that you were caring for all five children before they started school in August?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: In the mornings when he dropped them off, and in the evenings when he picked them up.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And then --
BOYD YOUNG: Ms. Mayes, I don't mind to interrupt. Do you mind if I move that so I can get --
SUZANNE MAYES: Of course not.
SUZANNE MAYES: And then would you also have communications with Mr. Jones regarding things such as your payment, childcare arrangements, everything that involved children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: During the course of those communications with Mr. Jones, can you tell us whether or not he communicated with you normally?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did he appear to understand all the communications between the two of you?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Was he able to converse with you in a clear and rational manner?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: And then once the older children started school, Merah, Eli, Nahtahn --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- what were the arrangements for Gabe and Abigail who you called Elaine?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: They just stayed with me the same amount of time as they always did, just without their siblings.
SUZANNE MAYES: So in the mornings when he would go to his job as Intel, who would bring Gabe and Elaine to your residence over there next door?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim would.
SUZANNE MAYES: And then in the evenings after he's home from work and after the three older kids had been picked up from school, who would pick up Gabe and Elaine?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim.
SUZANNE MAYES: On Thursday, August 28th, 2014, it was a school day for Merah, Eli and Nahtahn. Who brought Gabe and Elaine to your residence?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim -- Tim did.
SUZANNE MAYES: And that night?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He picked them up.
SUZANNE MAYES: Tim picked up Gabe and Elaine?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: What do you remember about that day, the last time?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Nothing out of the ordinary. The children were happy to see him and he got them and left, just as always.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did he appear afraid of those two babies?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No, not at all.
SUZANNE MAYES: Ms. Ehlke, that was a Thursday. Thursday the 28th. That next day, Friday, were you expecting Gabe and Elaine?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: What happened?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: They didn't show up. I text him and asked where they were or if they were coming and he said no. He didn't elaborate and I didn't ask any more questions.
SUZANNE MAYES: I want to follow-up a little bit more about that. You knew that he worked at Intel?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
SUZANNE MAYES: When you needed to communicate about the kids and it wasn't in person, how would you normally communicate?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Through text.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did you have a cell phone at the time?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did he have a cell phone at the time?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Was he -- Tim Jones saved in your contacts?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: What name did you have him saved under in your contacts?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim.
SUZANNE MAYES: How commonly would you text one another to speak about the children or make arrangements for them?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: As commonly as needed. Any time that there was a question or I needed diapers or anything I would text him.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to show you what's marked as State's Exhibit 50 and 51 and ask you whether or not you recognize these documents.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, I do.
SUZANNE MAYES: And I'll need you to speak up loud enough for the court reporter to hear you.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, I do.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you've reviewed these documents prior to today?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: Can you tell us, Ms. Ehlke, if these documents in State's 50 and 51 are a fair and accurate representation of the text messages between yourself and the Defendant, Timothy Jones, Jr., on or between August 29th, 2014 and September 2nd, 2014?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: And this would be State's 50 and 51 for evidence, Your Honor.
BOYD YOUNG: No objection.
THE COURT: 50 and 51 admitted without objection. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit numbers 50 and 51 were admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: You said he is saved in your contacts?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And I'm going to ask you to review these exhibits which are State's 13, 14 and 15, and 16, and ask you whether or not you recognize them.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes. Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Is that --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
SUZANNE MAYES: Is that a fair and accurate representation of your Pro phone?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Your phone number?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Your contacts list?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And the name Tim in your contacts list?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And that person that you had in your contacts list saved as Tim is who?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim Jones.
SUZANNE MAYES: And, Your Honor, these would be State's 13 through 16 for evidence.
BOYD YOUNG: No objection.
THE COURT: No objection, 13, 14, 15, 16 are in. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit numbers 13, 14, 15 and 16 were admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: Now, you mentioned that on August 29th, that Friday when the kids didn't show up, you sent him a text. Do you recall whether or not he responded to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, he did.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to show you what is marked as State's 17 and 18 and ask you whether or not you recognize these?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Are these messages a fair and accurate representation of the exact messages sent to you by Tim Jones?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am.
SUZANNE MAYES: And sent to your cell phone?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Next I want to ask you whether or not you communicated with him on September 1st, which would be Labor Day?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to show you what is State's 19 and 20.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, those are accurate.
SUZANNE MAYES: Is this a fair and accurate representation of the text you received from Tim and the one you responded back to?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, it is.
SUZANNE MAYES: Then that following day on the 2nd, the day after Labor Day, did you continue to communicate with him by text messages?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. Then I ask you to take a look at what is State's 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 28. If you can look at these and tell us whether these are a fair and accurate representation of the communications you had with Mr. Jones.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, it is.
SUZANNE MAYES: We would ask to publish at this time, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Has 17 through 20 been offered?
SUZANNE MAYES: Yes, sir, Your Honor.
THE COURT: I think 17, 18, 19 and 20 are there for you, Mr. Young, and Ms. Mayes has 21 through 28 in her hand, I believe.
SUZANNE MAYES: Yes, sir, Your Honor.
COURT REPORTER: I don't have that being entered.
THE COURT: I don't either. Mr. Young will want to see them first.
SUZANNE MAYES: We have 29 as well, Your Honor.
THE COURT: 29 as well. They're all text to and from on the 2nd?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, sir.
SUZANNE MAYES: Yes, sir, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Any objection?
BOYD YOUNG: No, Your Honor.
THE COURT: For the record, 17 through 29 are the screenshots from -- text messages back and forth are all admitted without objection, and that's inclusive 17 through 29. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit numbers 17 through 29, were admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: I want to start here, Ms. Ehlke. August 29th, that Friday. It's 9:38 a.m. When the children have not shown up next door or been dropped off as they normally would on a Friday morning what text did you send to Tim?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "I'm just wondering if the kids are coming."
SUZANNE MAYES: Did you get a response back for that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And it was sent to Christina Ehlke?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: That's your number?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: It is.
SUZANNE MAYES: And who sent that response back to you?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim.
SUZANNE MAYES: His response was what?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Don't worry about this morning. I'll see you later next week."
SUZANNE MAYES: So this had been unexpected?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: What did you say or do in response?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I said, "So are they coming Monday, or when?"
SUZANNE MAYES: And you're referring to Monday, Labor Day, or thereafter?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
SUZANNE MAYES: And did he respond to that message?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did.
SUZANNE MAYES: What was his response?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Tuesday."
SUZANNE MAYES: He's telling you not today, on Friday, but they'll be there Tuesday?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: What did you say in response to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I said, "Okay. Well, have a good Labor Day."
SUZANNE MAYES: Now, Labor Day comes around. Did you see any sign of activity next door?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Nothing. No vehicle, nothing.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you're still expecting the children to come in on Tuesday, the 2nd, because he had told you that they would be in on Tuesday?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: So in response to expecting them on Tuesday what, if any, message did you send to Mr. Jones?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I sent him a reminder. "Just a reminder, please bring some diapers tomorrow."
SUZANNE MAYES: And what did you mean in reference to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tomorrow being Tuesday when they were supposed to return.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And was it normal with you keeping the two babies, Gabe and Elaine --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- that you may need diapers?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And what was his response to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Busy, question mark."
SUZANNE MAYES: So you're reminding him to bring diapers and his response back to you was --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Busy and a question mark, yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: What did you say back?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I said, "Okay." I didn't quiet understand what that meant, busy.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. What happened next, Ms. Ehlke?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He called.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. So when we see this here -- now we're not looking at messages anymore. We're looking at a call log. We see a call to Christina Ehlke that's 17 minutes and 34 seconds. Who made that call?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim Jones.
SUZANNE MAYES: Take us through that phone call, Ms. Ehlke.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He said that he had left South Carolina. That he needed a fresh start, he and the kids, and they would not be returning. He said that he -- he knew he owed me money and -- for babysitting, and that he had taken everything he needed from the home and I was free to get whatever I needed out of the home to compensate for what he owed me. He mentioned the washer and dryer, his computer, things that, I guess, were of value, or he thought that I could sell to make the money back, I guess. And that was it.
SUZANNE MAYES: It was a 17 minute conversation. Who's doing most of the talking in that phone call?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I would say him.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did he ever say anything in the course of that phone call to lead you to believe that the children were in jeopardy?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Never.
SUZANNE MAYES: How convincing was he in telling you this story?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Perfectly convincing. Never once did I have an inclination that anything was wrong.
SUZANNE MAYES: You had no idea on the day that you received this phone call, September 1st, you had no idea that anything happened to the children?
SUZANNE MAYES: So by him making these representations to you, were you even alarmed at that point?
SUZANNE MAYES: It appeared normal?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: It did, for him.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you believed him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
SUZANNE MAYES: During the course of that phone call that was 17 minutes what, if any, arrangements were made for his residence?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, I just don't recall exactly. I know that through text I told him that I'd hit His House to pick up -- oh, he did say something, clean up his residence. He did ask me if I would clean up. I assumed because he -- and I think -- I don't remember correctly, but I think it was, he made it seem like that he needed his deposit back, you know. And that maybe I could help clean up while I was over there.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you said that he still owed you some outstanding fees --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- for childcare?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: In the course of that conversation, the 17 minute conversation, what, if any, arrangements were made in that regard concerning any belongings --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. He was telling me that I could get the washer and dryer. He specifically mentioned the washer and dryer, the computer, and I believe that was it. Oh, clothes. He said he had kids stuff. If I wanted any kid stuff that he didn't need. He'd gotten everything he needed out of the home.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And at that point in time how many children did you have?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I had two girls; a teenager and a -- I can't remember. She was eight or nine, I think. And I was also pregnant with twins.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And you knew at that time that you were pregnant with twins?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did he offer any clothing of the children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: That had been left behind?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: So as you're having this conversation about going into the home, taking anything that he may have left behind. Did he tell you anything specific about what his plans were other than he was moving away and getting a fresh start?
SUZANNE MAYES: Did he indicate that the children were alive and well?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. I mean, there were no indication of anything out of the norm.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to take you now to the next day, which is going to be Tuesday, September 2nd. What, if any, communications did you have with Mr. Jones at that point?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Texting.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And what concerns did you have?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I just -- we rented from the same landlord, and I didn't know if it was okay for me to go into his residence, you know, being that it actually is my landlord's residence, and didn't want to have any complications behind that.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. So what message did you send?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I said, "Can you send me a text saying I have permission to enter the house and clean and keep what I want just so I don't get in trouble."
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And did he respond to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did. He said, "Sure, go ahead and clean up."
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And this is just four minutes after you sent that text?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: So he read it and responded right away?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Go ahead and clean up. And then that's at 11:03.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh. (Indicated in the affirmative.)
SUZANNE MAYES: The following -- or within a minute later at 11:04 what, if any, message does he send to you?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Everything is going okay."
SUZANNE MAYES: And your response to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Okay." I didn't quite understand what that meant either.
SUZANNE MAYES: And at this point around the residence, living next door, was -- this only September 2nd. At this point in time had you seen any police?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Nothing.
SUZANNE MAYES: As far as the neighborhood was concerned, had anybody in the neighborhood learned yet that the children were missing?
SUZANNE MAYES: Then what message do you send to him shortly thereafter?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "I haven't done anything because I want to make sure you don't want any of your stuff." I guess give him time to see what he might -- if he'd come back and get it. I didn't know.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And then what message do you send after that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I said, "I will call His House Charity to pick up the stuff I don't want."
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And what is His House?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: His House is just a charity organization for people in need.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. So you were making arrangements for anything else in the home that may have been abandoned?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. And my point, I think, was versus cleaning up, I'll just send your stuff to charity.
SUZANNE MAYES: Now looking at State's 51. After you advised him that anything left behind would go to charity, what is his response just seconds later?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Okay."
SUZANNE MAYES: And then you say?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Is that okay?" And he said, "Yeah, all yours."
SUZANNE MAYES: And your response back to him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: "Thank you and take care."
SUZANNE MAYES: And did he respond back to that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He said, "You, too. Same to you."
SUZANNE MAYES: He ends that conversation with you on Tuesday, September 2nd by wishing you well, just as you had wished him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: You had no idea the children were dead?
SUZANNE MAYES: Ms. Ehlke, I'm going to show you some photographs and ask you if you recognize what's depicted in them. State's 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42 and 43. Do you recognize that location?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Whose residence is that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Tim and the children.
SUZANNE MAYES: Can you tell us whether this is a fair and accurate representation of that residence when you entered it after having those communications with him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: 34 through 43 for evidence at this time, Your Honor.
BOYD YOUNG: Your Honor, I'd like to see them.
THE COURT: Okay. Any objection?
BOYD YOUNG: No, Your Honor.
THE COURT: 34 through 43 inclusive are admitted without objection. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit numbers 34 through 43 were admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: Now, you had mentioned, Ms. Ehlke, about the laundry room. There had actually been a discussion with Mr. Jones about outstanding money owed to you --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- for the childcare. And ultimately what arrangement was made regarding the washer and dryer?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He said that I could have it.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And what room are we looking at here inside the Jones' residence?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The laundry area.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. And the washer and dryer and not depicted in here. Did you ultimately remove them?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, we did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Pursuant to your discussions with the Defendant?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to show you State's 35 and ask you what area of the home we're looking at here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The kitchen area.
SUZANNE MAYES: State's 37? What are we looking at here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Oh, the kitchen area.
SUZANNE MAYES: And then State's 36?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The living room when you walk in the front door.
SUZANNE MAYES: Now, I know you said you were pregnant with twins.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Ultimately were any clothing items removed from the Jones' residence after having that communication with him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, ma'am. A couple of items out of the closet.
SUZANNE MAYES: And the closet of which room?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The babies, Gabe and Elaine.
SUZANNE MAYES: Gabe and Elaine. I'm going to show you a photograph and ask you if you recognize it. This is State's 38.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I do.
SUZANNE MAYES: Whose room is that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Gabe and Elaine.
SUZANNE MAYES: 39, is that the same room?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: It is.
SUZANNE MAYES: What are we looking at here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: That's their closet. There were a couple of things hanging that we took -- or that I took for my babies.
SUZANNE MAYES: The babies you were pregnant with?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I'm sorry?
SUZANNE MAYES: The babies you were pregnant with?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did you go in the next room?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I'm sorry?
SUZANNE MAYES: Did you go in the next room?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No. I went to the door of it. I saw the bed and just looked in the next room.
SUZANNE MAYES: 41, this is a photo. When you say you went to the door, this area here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: Were you able to look into the room without actually going in?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: This is 43. Whose room was this?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Merah and Nahtahn and Eli.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did the boys have a bunk bed?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I'm assuming, yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to show you a diagram. This is State's 30, and ask you whether or not you've seen this before.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, I have. Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Does that appear to be a fair and accurate representation of the layout of that Jones' residence?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: The one that you went into after you had those communications with Mr. Jones?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: No objection, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Any objection?
BOYD YOUNG: 30 is in without objection. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit number 30 was admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: If you can see from where you are, take us through this. When you come in the front door what are we looking at in this area here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The living room and the kitchen.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And over to the left?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: That's his room.
SUZANNE MAYES: Referring to the Defendant?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And this bedroom here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The babies, Gabe and Elaine.
SUZANNE MAYES: And this bedroom here?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: The older three, Merah, Elias and Nahtahn.
SUZANNE MAYES: Ms. Ehlke, when did you become aware that the children were not safe?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: When, I'm sorry. I didn't hear you. When they were -- when did I become aware of what? That they were missing? When I got a knock at my door at 3:00, 4:00 a.m. by an officer that was looking for them.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did you share with him any information that you shared with us today regarding those text messages with the Defendant during that period of time when the children were --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- considered missing?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, I did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Throughout that entire period of time that you worked taking care of those five children, did you at any time have any concerns for Mr. Jones' mental status?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: None at all. In fact, I thought that he was very intelligent.
SUZANNE MAYES: So his communications with you appeared to be rational?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Clearly expressed?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Anything about him that would lead you to believe he was not of sound mind?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Not at all.
SUZANNE MAYES: Ms. Ehlke, at any point in time did he appear to be afraid of his children?
SUZANNE MAYES: That last day after 6:00 p.m. on August 28th did you see any fear in him whatsoever when he picked up his babies?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: None at all.
SUZANNE MAYES: Nothing further.
BOYD YOUNG: Your Honor, can we take 10 minutes. If the Court wants to take lunch now, that's fine.
THE COURT: That's what I was going to ask the jury. What were you guessing, estimate of time for testimony, 20, 30?
BOYD YOUNG: Twenty-five.
THE COURT: Twenty minutes? Eat lunch now. Take a lunch break for about an hour and 20 minutes, he's got 20 more minutes of questions, or do his 20 now? Eat, get it done?
(Whereupon, the jurors responded to get it done.)
CROSS-EXAMINATION By Mr. Young:
BOYD YOUNG: Good afternoon, Ms. Ehlke.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Good afternoon.
BOYD YOUNG: Going back to when you went into Tim's house, these foggers that were out, did you put those out?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No, sir.
BOYD YOUNG: And the cabinets that were open, did you open the cabinets?
BOYD YOUNG: The couches that had been flipped over, did you flip over those couches?
BOYD YOUNG: It was pretty obvious that nobody had packed to move out of state. Is that fair to say?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, I guess. Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: Most of the kids clothes were still there?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, there were clothes. There were toys.
BOYD YOUNG: Toys, books?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: All of Tim's stuff was still in his room? The computer?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I guess, yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: His futon, all that stuff?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: There were still dishes in the sink?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I can't say for sure. I don't remember exactly that part.
BOYD YOUNG: You didn't check?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I didn't check that part, yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: That's not what you were looking for?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay. I'm going to back up a little bit. You knew -- prior to becoming Tim's neighbor you already knew Tim and the kids. Isn't that right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: Was that a place called White Knoll Daycare, is that where you were working, or was it another daycare?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No. I met him through the ad on Craigslist. He called me to keep his children. The babies, Gabe and Elaine. Elaine at this time was a hand baby. This was my prior residence. He brought them to me for maybe about a month, and then just all of a sudden one day said he no longer needed me. I moved maybe a year, approximately a year later, to this residence and he just happened to live next door.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: So that's --
BOYD YOUNG: So when he saw you he was like, hey--
CHRISTINA EHLKE: -- right. We knew -- we were familiar with each other, yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: And you knew Joy Lorick who was keeping the kids at the time that you moved there, right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, I knew Joy. No. I think Joy didn't start keeping them until after I moved there.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: I understand.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: Trying to keep the time straight.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: There was -- somebody else was keeping the kids, then Joy kept the kids for a couple of weeks --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
BOYD YOUNG: -- and then you started keeping them?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: And then I started.
BOYD YOUNG: And she was the one who took the kids to the beach and to --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Disney World.
BOYD YOUNG: -- Disney World?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: And then left.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: And you knew that they -- that Tim and Ms. Lorick did not leave on good terms?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: That Tim and who?
BOYD YOUNG: Ms. Lorick, Joy.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I knew that she had some concerns. I didn't know what. She didn't mention too much to me. But I knew that she had some concerns and she just no longer was willing to keep them basically.
BOYD YOUNG: You knew that her and Tim were having a fight about money?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. I knew that there was some money issues. I don't recall exactly, I'm sorry, what went on with Joy.
BOYD YOUNG: You knew that they were having a fight?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Maybe some tension there, yes. Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: Now, you gave law enforcement a statement on September 9th of 2014?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. I guess, yeah. I don't remember the date. I did. I did. That's correct.
BOYD YOUNG: And have you reviewed this statement?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay. I'm going to ask you a couple of questions about it.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay. Let me just -- to refresh my memory.
BOYD YOUNG: Yes, ma'am. Is that a copy of your statement?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: It refreshed my memory a little, yeah. That's definitely my statement, yes.
BOYD YOUNG: You were keeping all five children from mid-July until they started school back on August 18th?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: And during that time you were asked by law enforcement to describe Tim. Is that right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: And you described him as a weird guy but seemed to love his children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: And you said he had strong religious beliefs but they were hard to understand?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: Can you tell me what -- what you mean by that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I just remember one particular incident where he was talking about God, or his God that he worshiped, and he just -- I don't remember word for word, but whatever God he described wasn't the God that I worship. So it didn't really make sense to me.
BOYD YOUNG: When you say not the God you worship, you're not talking about Allah versus --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, something like maybe his -- his reminded me more of a Allah type Muslim maybe religion. Something that I'm not familiar with.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay. Would you describe him as sort of a fundamentalist?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: What's the definition of that exactly?
BOYD YOUNG: Sort of like somebody who has a really strict interpretation of the Bible?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, possibly.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay. You said he seemed like a strict father but not overbearing --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: -- is that right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: But he would -- when he picked up the kids everybody would go jump on the trampoline, they would all hug him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Every day.
BOYD YOUNG: Sometimes on the weekend he would ask you to keep the two younger kids, Gabe and Elaine, so that he could take the older children to a movie or do something else?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right. He mentioned that a couple of times, but I only actually kept them one time for him to do that.
BOYD YOUNG: And you thought that that, to you, indicated that he was trying to be a good parent?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: As far as you were concerned, you did think that he was a good parent?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
BOYD YOUNG: Around August the 14th --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
BOYD YOUNG: -- DSS came to your house?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: They did.
BOYD YOUNG: And they asked to observe the children and take pictures of the children. Is that right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: And they did -- they did all that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: They took pictures of all of the children except for one.
BOYD YOUNG: Except for Nahtahn?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Nahtahn.
BOYD YOUNG: He didn't want his picture taken?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He didn't want to, and no matter how much we asked he just wouldn't do it.
BOYD YOUNG: And as far as your observations, you never saw the kids with something -- with bruises that would indicate that they had been abused or beaten or anything like that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No, I did not.
BOYD YOUNG: They were five kids and just each one they were sort of rough and tumble?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Oh, yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: They naturally got bruises from playing and stuff like that?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: But nothing out of the ordinary, correct?
BOYD YOUNG: At points in time Tim talked to you about his ex-wife?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He mentioned her. I just can't, can you ask me like a direct question about it, because I just can't remember? I remember he mentioned her and he just was bitter. He seemed bitter towards her and the separation. I remember that.
BOYD YOUNG: And I think what you said was your impression was that he missed her very much?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes. That he missed her. Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: That he was still longing for her?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: You described -- you also described he was a very private person?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh. He didn't talk much. It was very, you know, about the kids and that was it. We didn't conversate.
BOYD YOUNG: His house is sort of at the end of the road, right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
BOYD YOUNG: And they had to drive past your house to get to his house?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: And you knew that your landlord, Mr. Jackson, had cameras up around the houses?
BOYD YOUNG: You never saw anybody going to Tim's house other than --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right, uh-huh, (indicated negative.)
BOYD YOUNG: No family ever visited?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No, not that I --
BOYD YOUNG: No friends --
BOYD YOUNG: -- no friends ever visited? Nobody from work ever visited?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Not that I saw, no.
BOYD YOUNG: And anybody who would visit would have to go right past your place to get to him?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
BOYD YOUNG: At one point in time he took your daughter to school some?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did. He took my daughter to school for a little while. They all went to Saxe Gotha, and he offered, because the bus stop was right on the busy highway and I wasn't comfortable with it. And I was pregnant, and I was also keeping children. So he said she can ride with us. And I allowed it and he took them.
BOYD YOUNG: And that was when they started school on the 18th?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah, I guess. I don't recall exactly.
BOYD YOUNG: Around about that time?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: And around about that time there was an incident where Gabe left the house?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did. He and another child were napping in the living room. I was in the room -- in my room across from them doing homework, and they were both asleep. Went back to check on them. Gabe had gotten up and opened the backdoor, which was not far from where he was, unlocked it -- unlocked the bolt lock and everything and went out. I assumed -- this was the first day that Merah, Eli and Nahtahn had gone back to school. So I assumed that he was looking for his siblings. I thought, well, maybe he went home. I started over there looking for him. The grass was really high, and I just wanted to make sure that he wasn't in the grass somewhere. And I didn't see him, so I started up the dirt road and he had walked up the dirt road doing -- I guess looking -- I'm thinking looking for his siblings.
BOYD YOUNG: And you talked to Tim about that, I assume?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did. I called him.
BOYD YOUNG: And his version was, well, Gabe is trying to go to school --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: -- to look for his --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Exactly, yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: -- siblings?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He agreed that that had to be what he was doing.
BOYD YOUNG: I'm getting a little bit ahead of myself. I talked to you about this briefly. I'm going to show you what's been marked as State's numbers 4, 5 and 6 --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
BOYD YOUNG: -- and ask you if you recall this incident where -- I think these are from you to Tim, and this is from Tim to you, and these are the texts that go with the --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
BOYD YOUNG: -- that are after the images. So if you look at these.
THE COURT: What's the exhibits, please?
BOYD YOUNG: This is 6, exhibits 4, 5 and 6.
THE COURT: Oh, I thought you said State's and I was thinking wait a minute, I've got something mismarked. Those are yours?
BOYD YOUNG: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Okay. Defendant's 4, 5 and 6.
BOYD YOUNG: I'm just going to ask you. Was there an incident in early August where Eli got hit with a doorknob?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He did. Him and Merah were going back and forth arguing and Merah, when she pushed the door, it hit him -- the knob hit him in the eye and gave him a black eye. That happened at my house.
BOYD YOUNG: And then a cut -- a cut above his eye?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah. Like a little gash there.
BOYD YOUNG: And you sent Tim a picture of that cut?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I did.
BOYD YOUNG: And then later that night Tim said, "I hate to bother you but can you watch the kids? I might need to take Eli to the doctor."
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
BOYD YOUNG: Is that right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh. I guess. I don't completely remember that.
COURT REPORTER: It's a yes. I can't do uh-huh, huh-uh.
THE COURT: She's taking down everything everybody's saying.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
BOYD YOUNG: Around 6:47 in the afternoon did Tim say, "Sorry to bother you," and then he said --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: If that's what this shows, yes. I just don't remember exactly. But I do remember the black eye incident.
BOYD YOUNG: And do you remember Tim sending you a picture of -- back after they got --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh. I remember that picture.
BOYD YOUNG: Back from the doctor's office?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
THE COURT: Which exhibit, Mr. Young?
BOYD YOUNG: The picture's four. Your Honor, at this time the Defense would argue -- offer 4, 5 and 6 into evidence.
THE COURT: Any objection, Ms. Mayes?
SUZANNE MAYES: No objection.
THE COURT: 4, 5 and 6 are admitted without objection. (Whereupon, Defendant's Exhibit numbers 4, 5 and 6 were admitted into evidence.)
BOYD YOUNG: Now, when DSS came in on the 14th that injury was healing?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I guess. I honestly don't remember.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay. That was something that they were concerned about?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I don't remember that either. All I remember was them wanting to take pictures of the children's bodies.
BOYD YOUNG: Do you remember explaining to them like how that cut happen, saying no, no, that happened --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I'm sorry. I don't.
BOYD YOUNG: That's okay. Did the DSS caseworkers ask you about the children's food?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: They did. I do remember that. They did ask me did the children seem overly hungry ever and I told them no.
BOYD YOUNG: Right. And Tim usually fed them breakfast before he brought them over to your house?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I don't know. I always made breakfast anyway, so I never really asked that question. He did come with donuts several times from Krispy Kreme that he would get for them and bring with them.
BOYD YOUNG: Tim had talked to you a little bit about -- towards the middle of August about getting into med school and that he was going to move to the --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
BOYD YOUNG: -- Caribbean --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
BOYD YOUNG: -- and he was going to take the kids and that's where they were going to live?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Mentioned it several times. He said it was cheaper to go to medical school over there.
BOYD YOUNG: You said -- when Tim talked about that stuff you said what may be odd or strange behavior for the average person wouldn't be for Tim because he was strange himself?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He was. He was very socially awkward. He seemed -- he was very highly intelligent, and I'm just kind of a down to earth regular girl, so our -- we didn't have much in common, I guess.
BOYD YOUNG: Finally you were asked the question from the investigator about during your interactions with Tim Jones did he appear to have any mental issues or defect in your opinion. And you're response was, "Yes. I'm not a doctor, but he was a bit scatterbrained and changed his mind a lot. He seemed to have bouts of ups and downs where he would be quiet and possibly sad or hyper and happy."
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right. All of that, it was in relation -- what I was feeling was that the separation from his wife. That he may have suffered from some depression or, you know, being upset because of that split up. And again, I do think that he missed her.
BOYD YOUNG: And in addition to being depressed, you also saw him hyper and happy?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Oh, yeah. He sometimes just, "Hey, how you doing." You know, you could tell he had a good day or whatever.
BOYD YOUNG: And that he changed his mind a lot?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I do remember him changing his mind. Like, for instance, him wanting me to keep the kids on the weekend. Okay. Well, I'm going to take them this weekend, and he may change his mind for whatever reason.
BOYD YOUNG: Okay. And scatterbrained?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I don't really remember what I meant by that.
BOYD YOUNG: When you --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Maybe forgetful. I know I feel like I'm scatterbrained, and that means like forgetful or, you know, just has a lot on my plate. A lot of responsibility.
BOYD YOUNG: Sometimes he would start a thought and then change it to something else?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No. Not like conversationally. Just seemed to be. Yeah.
BOYD YOUNG: When he was hyper would he speak really fast?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Not that I noticed.
BOYD YOUNG: You never saw any indication of any drug use or abuse?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No, uh-uh.
BOYD YOUNG: Beg the Court's indulgence. Thank you, Ms. Ehlke. That's all the questions I have.
SUZANNE MAYES: Briefly, Your Honor.
REDIRECT EXAMINATION By Ms. Mayes:
SUZANNE MAYES: Ms. Ehlke, I just want to follow-up on a couple of those points.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Okay.
SUZANNE MAYES: He was asking you about the plans for medical school. Is that something that Mr. Jones expressed to you?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Oh, yes, several times.
SUZANNE MAYES: And what did he tell you was the reason that he was -- of course he had an undergraduate degree. What is the reason he explained as -- that he wanted to go to medical school in the Caribbean as opposed to someone in the US?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He said it was a lot less money. Lot less expensive.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. So it was for financial reasons?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And Mr. Young was asking you about him being forgetful about certain things.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh, (Indicated in the affirmative.)
SUZANNE MAYES: Had he fallen behind in his payment --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- to you?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, he did.
SUZANNE MAYES: Even in those situations were you all able to follow-up with one another and make arrangements?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: We were. I was under the impression he was a very -- you know, a struggling single father with five kids. So I worked with him any way I could.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. At that point in time you knew he worked at Intel, but did you know he was making $80,000 a year?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No. I knew Intel had something to do with computers, but I had no idea what his status was with them.
SUZANNE MAYES: And I think Mr. Young was asking you -- asking you about some of the communications you had with him concerning Eli. I'm going to show you these documents and ask you if you recognize them. State's 31 and State's 32.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: Is that a fair and accurate representation of communications you had with Mr. Jones?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, it is.
SUZANNE MAYES: About the children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And about him being behind on payments?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: 31 and 32 for evidence, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Any objection.
BOYD YOUNG: No objection.
THE COURT: Admitted without objection. (Whereupon, State's Exhibit numbers 31 and 32 were admitted into evidence.)
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. So here he has sent you a message on August 25th. And, of course, that's three days before the children disappeared.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
SUZANNE MAYES: What was the content of that text message?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He said, "Left you $140 with Merah. I'll bite the bullet and give you money on Mondays."
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And who is Merah that he's referring to?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Merah is my oldest daughter.
SUZANNE MAYES: Okay. So he's talking about he gave her $140 for your payment --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
SUZANNE MAYES: -- and now he's going to plan to pay you every Monday?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. And then what about this message that he sent to you on August 22nd, six days before the children disappeared?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He said, "Going to have to grab a pair for Gab."
SUZANNE MAYES: What were you all talking about?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Swimsuits so the kids could swim in the pool.
SUZANNE MAYES: The pool in your yard?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes, the pool in my yard.
SUZANNE MAYES: Mr. Young was asking you about their mother and about the consequences of the divorce.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Uh-huh.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did the children ever speak about their mother in your presence? And I'm not asking you what they said, but did they ever speak about her in your presence?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes. Seems like they might have mentioned her here and there.
SUZANNE MAYES: All right. When the Defendant was around would they speak about their mom?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: There was one time that Tim was saying, "Tell -- tell Christina what your mom said," to Merah. And Merah said that she -- I don't remember exactly, but something to the -- something like she didn't want us anymore, or she didn't want to be bothered with us. Didn't want us to live with her. Something like that. I remember that.
SUZANNE MAYES: And he said that to the children with you present?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes.
SUZANNE MAYES: And he was speaking --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: He was talking to Merah.
SUZANNE MAYES: Now, you got some questions about DSS coming to your house. Did you know they were coming?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I had no idea that they were coming. I was in shock.
SUZANNE MAYES: I'm going to show you --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I didn't know what was going on. Yeah.
SUZANNE MAYES: And they wanted to photograph the children?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
SUZANNE MAYES: You mentioned that they did look at all of the children except for one?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Nahtahn.
SUZANNE MAYES: Were you present during that entire DSS visit?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I was.
SUZANNE MAYES: Did DSS ever look at Nahtahn's body?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: They did not. They did not. They did not make him show any -- pull his clothes down or anything like they did the others.
SUZANNE MAYES: And you got a question about you had referenced Mr. Jones as weird. Tell us what you meant by that in layperson's terms.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Socially awkward. Different from me being a very outgoing, friendly person. He was just not like that. He was to himself and to his work, I guess. I don't know.
SUZANNE MAYES: And with that stated did you ever have any reason to believe that he was not of sound mind?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: No, never.
SUZANNE MAYES: Thank you. That's all I have.
RECROSS-EXAMINATION By Mr. Young:
BOYD YOUNG: When you were talking to Ms. Mayes, it was Tim who said to Merah, "Tell Christina what your mom said"?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Correct.
BOYD YOUNG: And it was Merah's response to you that mom said she didn't want us anymore?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: I don't --
BOYD YOUNG: Something along --
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Yes. Yes. I don't know exactly, but something along those lines. She didn't want us anymore or she didn't want us to live with her anymore. Something like that.
BOYD YOUNG: And Merah was telling you that's what her mom had told her?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: Is that right?
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Right.
BOYD YOUNG: Thank you.
THE COURT: All right. You may step down. All right. You all can go to lunch. Enjoy your lunch in the jury room. After you finish if you want to step outside, get some fresh air, make a phone call. We'll help you all get downstairs and do whatever you need. So anyway, enjoy your lunch. Don't talk about the case. Have you back in here probably shortly after 2:00, no later than 2:15. I've got something else to put on the record, too.
(Whereupon, the jury was excused for a lunch break.)
THE COURT: All right. Before we go to lunch, Mr. Young, you said you had one issue, matter. I am not exactly sure what it was, but go ahead.
BOYD YOUNG: Your Honor, and I may have, I may have messed this up. Because of the fact that there were two different sets of phone records as far as was, were these records from the physical extraction versus from the first logical extraction. We had maintained, you know, regarding our objection to the physical extraction and I didn't want to inadvertently have waived that objection by agreeing to records that were entered into. We knew that there were multiple sources for those records and I think Ms. Mayes had pictures of the actual text and then the summary records. But I think the summary records were from the physical extraction and didn't want to have waived any objection on those.
THE COURT: You have not waived any objection. I ruled on that. So your objection is preserved. And some of the records, it seems to me as I was reading along, gave the source, whether it was physical or not, is what I was able to read along. And I've not had it in my hand, but on the overhead that's what I noted.
BOYD YOUNG: Your Honor is more well trained in that than I am.
THE COURT: So you're protected on the record for all those regarding both suppression motions we did yesterday.
BOYD YOUNG: Thank you, Your Honor.
THE COURT: Very good. All right. We'll be back shortly after 2:00. I'd like to get the jury back in here by 2:15, so I want to be mindful of that.
(Whereupon, a lunch break was taken.)
BOYD YOUNG: Your Honor, with the subsequent statement, so Mr. Jones, at the risk of beating a dead horse we are, we are relying on our previous objections, motions, arguments and briefing that the Court has ruled on and protected us on and made final rulings on those and everything will be subject to our previous objections.
THE COURT: And that was in that four, four and a half days hearings we had on all the Jackson/Denno issues and the constitutionality road block?
BOYD YOUNG: Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Y'all are so protected. Bring me the jury. (Whereupon, the jury came into open court at approximately 2:15 p.m.)
THE COURT: Are we ready to continue on? Mr. Graham?
SHAWN GRAHAM: Thank you, Your Honor. The State calls Jesse Laintz to the stand. JESSE LAINTZ, having first been duly sworn, testified as follows:
COURT CLERK: Once your seated, state your full name spelling your last.
CHRISTINA EHLKE: Jesse Laintz, L-a-i-n-t-z.