NY - Wendy Jerome, 14, raped and killed, Rochester, 22 Nov 1984 *Arrest in 2020*

[Niner]

another article

Jury selection underway in cold case murder trial

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – “Every victim, no matter how much time has passed, deserves justice, those families deserve justice,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley.It’s a cold case that left investigators searching for answers, for nearly 40 years. Investigators say the murder of 14...

www.whec.com

Nov. 29, 2023
.....
News media were not allowed in the courtroom for jury selection, but will be allowed once the trial begins.

 

[Niner]

@dotr - I have you as my "go-to" person for this case. Anything in the court site about jury selection?
Or if someone can find out what happened today - continuing? TIA!

Trial begins on 12/5/23.

 

[dotr]

Opening statements begin in trial of man accused of raping, killing 14-year-old Rochester girl nearly 40 years ago

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) Testimony will begin Thursday in the cold case murder trial of Timothy Williams, who was arrested in 2020 for the 1984 rape and murder of

13wham.com

by Jackie Napier November 29th 2023
''Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony will begin Thursday in the cold case murder trial of Timothy Williams, who was arrested in 2020 for the 1984 rape and murder of 14-year-old Wendy Jerome.

Both sides presented opening statements Wednesday, with new details of Jerome's death coming to light for the first time since she was killed nearly four decades ago''.

''Prosecutors said advancements in forensic evidence unlocked the secrets hidden on Jerome's body and clothes.
Investigators said a familial DNA search resulted in a DNA hit, leading them to identify Williams as a suspect.''

''The defense said as the trial progresses, jurors must consider whether it can be proven that sexual contact happened at the same time as the beating.''

Jury selection underway in cold case murder trial

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – “Every victim, no matter how much time has passed, deserves justice, those families deserve justice,” said Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley.It’s a cold case that left investigators searching for answers, for nearly 40 years. Investigators say the murder of 14...

www.whec.com

''News media were not allowed in the courtroom for jury selection, but will be allowed once the trial begins.

Doorley has been speaking to potential jurors.

“We have to make sure the jury understands, here we are 39 years later, trying a case for the crime that was committed in 1984, and as I spoke to them I watned to make sure they could render a verdict, based on the evidence, even though it’s a 39 year old case. I believe during the course of the trial, many gaps in time will be answered,” she said.

Doorley said she anticipates Jerome’s mother will take the stand to testify. This is one of the first trials in New York State, to use evidence that’s based on familial DNA.

Doorley said the statute of limitations for rape in this case has expired. Williams is currently charged with three counts of murder in the second degree, under different theories.''

 

[Niner]

Thursday, November 30th:
*Trial continues (Day 2) (@ am ET) – NY – Wendy Jerome (14) (Nov. 22, 1984, raped & severely beaten to death, found later that night lying in an alcove of Schools 33 & 11 at Webster Ave. a couple of blocks from her home) - *Timothy Lee Williams (20 @ time of crime/56/now 59) arrested & charged (9/9/20), indicted (9/28/20) & arraigned (10/22/20) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & intention. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
DNA familial search/Williams became a suspect after the New York State crime lab uploaded DNA from the crime scene to a database & came up with profiles of relatives.
Trial began on 11/29/23. Jury selection began on 11/28/23 with 10 jurors & ended 11/29/23 with 2 jurors selected. 12 jurors.
DA Sandra Doorley & assistant DA Lisa Gray, defense attorneys Don Thompson & Jessica Nacierio.
Court info from 9/9/20 thru 3/9/21 reference post #99 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-5
Trial set to begin on 6/7/21 but was continued on Tuesday, 12/5/23 Jury selection began on 11/28/23.
Nearly four decades went by until the suspect, Timothy Williams, would be captured. Jury selection began Tuesday in his trial, with 10 jurors seated thus far. "I’ve always said that every homicide victim, regardless of how much time has expired, deserves justice," Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley said. "Those families deserve justice." "I believe that this is the first case in the state that is being tried because of a familial DNA hit," said Doorley. "The statute of limitations on the rape has expired, so he is charged with three counts of murder in the second degree under different theories."
11/28/23 Tuesday, Jury Selection Day 1: 10 jurors selected. Jury selection continues on 11/29/23.
11/29/23 Wednesday, Jury selection Day 2/Trial Day 1: 2 more jurors selected. Opening statements by assistant DA Lisa Gray & defense attorney Jessica Nacierio.
Trial continues on 11/30/23.

 

[imstilla.grandma]

“But Wendy never made it. Wendy never made it because the evidence will show that the defendant intercepted her on her walk, sexually assaulted her, and beat her to death,” said plaintiff.

” I believe that at no point will anyone take that witness stand and tell you that Mr. Williams was a suspect. There will be no person that believed he was capable of doing this, he was able to do this, that he was a creepy guy in the neighborhood that had a proclivity for doing things like this,” said defendant.

“It’s a tough time of year and we’re asking a lot of individuals. We’re asking them to be here for at least 2 weeks, to give up their livelihood because some of them may not be paid but I’m thankful for those that are able to commit to this because it is a very important duty of citizenship and I applaud them for that,” says Doorley.

Several jurors were dismissed this afternoon after they shared, they had travel plans or other commitments. The prosecutions and defense were able to agree on several other jurors to opening statements.

Court will resume tomorrow at 9:15 AM with witness testimony.

Opening statements begin in 1984 murder case

ROCHESTER N.Y. (WROC) — Day two of trial has ended for the 39-year-old case of a 14-year-old Rochester girl who was raped and murdered in 1984. In 1984 on Thanksgiving 14-year-old Wendy Jerome was…

www.rochesterfirst.com

 

[Niner]

“But Wendy never made it. Wendy never made it because the evidence will show that the defendant intercepted her on her walk, sexually assaulted her, and beat her to death,” said plaintiff.

” I believe that at no point will anyone take that witness stand and tell you that Mr. Williams was a suspect. There will be no person that believed he was capable of doing this, he was able to do this, that he was a creepy guy in the neighborhood that had a proclivity for doing things like this,” said defendant.

“It’s a tough time of year and we’re asking a lot of individuals. We’re asking them to be here for at least 2 weeks, to give up their livelihood because some of them may not be paid but I’m thankful for those that are able to commit to this because it is a very important duty of citizenship and I applaud them for that,” says Doorley.

Several jurors were dismissed this afternoon after they shared, they had travel plans or other commitments. The prosecutions and defense were able to agree on several other jurors to opening statements.

Court will resume tomorrow at 9:15 AM with witness testimony.

Opening statements begin in 1984 murder case

ROCHESTER N.Y. (WROC) — Day two of trial has ended for the 39-year-old case of a 14-year-old Rochester girl who was raped and murdered in 1984. In 1984 on Thanksgiving 14-year-old Wendy Jerome was…

www.rochesterfirst.com

Can you give a 10% synopsis on this article - that I can not access?

Like - who the witnesses were - names, etc. TIA!

 

[imstilla.grandma]

Can you give a 10% synopsis on this article - that I can not access?

Like - who the witnesses were - names, etc. TIA!

I don’t think the trial starts until later today. The jurors and alternates were selected yesterday along with opening statements. You’re such a wonderful record keeper!

 

[Niner]

I don’t think the trial starts until later today. The jurors and alternates were selected yesterday along with opening statements. You’re such a wonderful record keeper!

Thanks for that info! Do you know how many alternates? I am assuming 12 jurors! TIA!

edited to - oh - and the Judge's name if that article has one.

 

[Niner]

Not coming up with any articles from yesterday...

Friday, December 1st:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9:15am ET) – NY – Wendy Jerome (14) (Nov. 22, 1984, raped & severely beaten to death, found later that night lying in an alcove of Schools 33 & 11 at Webster Ave. a couple of blocks from her home) - *Timothy Lee Williams (20 @ time of crime/56/now 59) arrested & charged (9/9/20), indicted (9/28/20) & arraigned (10/22/20) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & intention. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
DNA familial search/Williams became a suspect after the New York State crime lab uploaded DNA from the crime scene to a database & came up with profiles of relatives.
Trial began on 11/29/23. 12 jurors & alternates.
DA Sandra Doorley & assistant DA Lisa Gray, defense attorneys Don Thompson & Jessica Nacierio.
Court info from 9/9/20 thru 3/9/21 & Jury selection Day 1-2 (11/28-11/29/23) & Trial Day 1 (11/29/23) reference post #124 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
11/30/23 Thursday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: No info available. Trial continues on 12/1/23.

 

[Niner]

Found a couple of articles for Thursday & Friday.

for Thursday, 11/30

Testimony begins in trial of man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old girl in Rochester in 1984

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony began Thursday in the trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester

13wham.com

Dec. 1, 2023
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony began Thursday in the trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 1984.

Marlene Jerome, Wendy's mother, took the stand Thursday and talked about the night her daughter was killed.
[.....]
The prosecution called Mike Mazzeo, a former evidence technician for the Rochester Police Department, to the stand. He described the trauma, bruising, red marks and lacerations on Wendy's body when she was found in an alcove outside School No. 33.





for Friday, 12/1

Doctor who performed autopsy on 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in 1984 testified at accused killer's trial

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) Testimony continued Friday in the trial of the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 19

13wham.com

Dec. 2, 2023
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony continued Friday in the trial of the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 1984.

A former Rochester police investigator took the stand to tell jurors about his interview with Timothy Williams less than a week after Jerome was killed.

Paul Boccacino estimated he spoke to approximately 30 people in the neighborhood six days after Jerome's death — including then-20-year-old Williams — hoping to find information about the crime.
[.....]
Jurors also heard testimony Friday from Dr. Nicholas Forbes, who conducted Jerome's initial autopsy.
[.....]
The jury was asked to leave the room while attorneys discussed an evidentiary matter involving Boccacino’s testimony. Williams' attorneys were not available for comment. The trial is scheduled to resume Monday.

 

[Niner]

Monday, December 4th:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9:15am ET) – NY – Wendy Jerome (14) (Nov. 22, 1984, raped & severely beaten to death, found later that night lying in an alcove of Schools 33 & 11 at Webster Ave. a couple of blocks from her home) - *Timothy Lee Williams (20 @ time of crime/56/now 59) arrested & charged (9/9/20), indicted (9/28/20) & arraigned (10/22/20) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & intention. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
DNA familial search/Williams became a suspect after the New York State crime lab uploaded DNA from the crime scene to a database & came up with profiles of relatives.
Trial began on 11/29/23. 12 jurors & alternates.
DA Sandra Doorley & assistant DA Lisa Gray, defense attorneys Don Thompson & Jessica Nacierio.
Court info from 9/9/20 thru 3/9/21 & Jury selection Day 1-2 (11/28-11/29/23) & Trial Day 1 (11/29/23) reference post #124 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
11/30/23 Thursday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: Marlene Jerome, Wendy’s mother. Mike Mazzeo, a former evidence technician for the Rochester Police Dept. Trial continues on 12/1/23.
12/1/23 Friday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Dr. Nicholas Forbes, who conducted Jerome's initial autopsy. Former Rochester police investigator Paul Boccacino. Boccacino is expected to tell jurors more about his interaction with Williams on Monday, following a legal decision Judge Tom Moran will be making over the weekend.
For more info see post #130 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
Trial continues on Monday, 12/4/23.

 

[dotr]

Dec 4 2023 Gary Craig lengthy article.rbbm

Retired pathologist travels from South Africa to testify in landmark 'familial DNA' murder trial in Rochester

Retired medical examiner Dr. Nicholas Forbes traveled from South Africa to Rochester to testify in the state's first "familial DNA" murder trial.

www.democratandchronicle.com

''On Friday, more than two decades after his retirement, Forbes returned to Rochester to testify in the murder trial of Timothy Williams, who, through the use of what is known as "familial DNA," now stands accused of the beating death of 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in 1984.

Forbes retired in 2002 and his presence on the stand was proof of just how old the once cold case is.''

''In 2020 Police arrested Williams in Florida, where he was then living, after the state conducted a familial DNA search on evidence from the homicide. The state crime lab used the preserved DNA to see if it could develop a familial profile, which allows police to narrow a list of possible suspects.
That process led to Williams as a possible suspect from a genetic family tree. Police were able to surreptitiously collect a DNA sample from Williams in Florida, and the sample was allegedly a match. Testimony is expected next week about how police gathered the sample.

This is the first trial in New York in which a suspect was arrested based on familial DNA.''

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, December 5th:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9:15am ET) – NY – Wendy Jerome (14) (Nov. 22, 1984, raped & severely beaten to death, found later that night lying in an alcove of Schools 33 & 11 at Webster Ave. a couple of blocks from her home) - *Timothy Lee Williams (20 @ time of crime/56/now 59) arrested & charged (9/9/20), indicted (9/28/20) & arraigned (10/22/20) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & intention. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
DNA familial search/Williams became a suspect after the New York State crime lab uploaded DNA from the crime scene to a database & came up with profiles of relatives.
Trial began on 11/29/23. 12 jurors & alternates.
DA Sandra Doorley & assistant DA Lisa Gray, defense attorneys Don Thompson & Jessica Nacierio.
Court info from 9/9/20 thru 3/9/21 & Jury selection Day 1-2 (11/28-11/29/23) & Trial Day 1-3 (11/29-12/1/23) reference post #131 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
12/4/23 Monday, Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Former Rochester police investigator Paul Boccacino. Boccacino is expected to tell jurors more about his interaction with Williams on Monday. Nicholas Forbes, a retired Monroe County medical examiner.
For more info see post #132 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
Trial continues on Tuesday, 12/5/23.

 

[Niner]

This is the only article I could access - not much in who the witnesses were...

Testimony in Timothy Williams trial focuses on forensic evidence from Wendy Jerome's rape and murder

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) Testimony continued Tuesday in the trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester

13wham.com

Dec. 5, 2023
.....
A forensic chemist testified Tuesday that she began examining semen stains on Jerome's clothing in June 2011.

"There was a lot of evidence that was collected from the scene, and last week we heard from the New York State Police who developed a DNA profile from the vaginal smear," Doorley said. "Today we heard testimony of other items that were tested in connection with this case from our laboratory here in Monroe County, but over the next few days there will be additional DNA testing."
The prosecution has called several witnesses thus far during the trial to testify about forensic evidence. Doorley believes the repetition will help jurors better understand what could be unfamiliar scientific terms and concepts.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, Dec. 6th:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9:15am ET) – NY – Wendy Jerome (14) (Nov. 22, 1984, raped & severely beaten to death, found later that night lying in an alcove of Schools 33 & 11 at Webster Ave. a couple of blocks from her home) - *Timothy Lee Williams (20 @ time of crime/56/now 59) arrested & charged (9/9/20), indicted (9/28/20) & arraigned (10/22/20) with 2 counts of 2nd degree murder & intention. Plead not guilty. Held without bond.
DNA familial search/Williams became a suspect after the New York State crime lab uploaded DNA from the crime scene to a database & came up with profiles of relatives.
Trial began on 11/29/23. 12 jurors & alternates.
DA Sandra Doorley & assistant DA Lisa Gray, defense attorneys Don Thompson & Jessica Nacierio.
Court info from 9/9/20 thru 3/9/21 & Jury selection Day 1-2 (11/28-11/29/23) & Trial Day 1-4 (11/29-12/4/23) reference post #133 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
12/5/23 Tuesday, Trial Day 5: State witness: A forensic chemist (no name given). No other info available.
For more info see post #134 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...ster-22-nov-1984-arrest-in-2020.265624/page-7
Trial continues on Wednesday, 12/6/23.

 

[dotr]

Dec 6, 2023
A mistrial has been declared in the trial of a man accused of raping and murdering a girl in 1984, according to the Monroe County District Attorney's Office.

rbbm

Mistrial declared in Timothy Williams trial

Rochester, N.Y. The trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome on Thanksgiving 1984 in Rochester, has been declar

13wham.com

'Rochester, N.Y. — The trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome on Thanksgiving 1984 in Rochester, has been declared a mistrial.

Judge Tom Moran said a case of "juror misconduct" was to blame.'

''District Attorney Sandra Doorley told 13WHAM the jury did not follow the rules set by the judge.
“Based upon that, there was an indication they’d be grossly unqualified to sit as jurors," she said''.

''Doorley said a new trial date will be scheduled and trial will "start from scratch."

 

[StarrChance]

Found a couple of articles for Thursday & Friday.

for Thursday, 11/30

Testimony begins in trial of man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old girl in Rochester in 1984

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony began Thursday in the trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester

13wham.com

Dec. 1, 2023
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony began Thursday in the trial of Timothy Williams, the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 1984.

Marlene Jerome, Wendy's mother, took the stand Thursday and talked about the night her daughter was killed.
[.....]
The prosecution called Mike Mazzeo, a former evidence technician for the Rochester Police Department, to the stand. He described the trauma, bruising, red marks and lacerations on Wendy's body when she was found in an alcove outside School No. 33.





for Friday, 12/1

Doctor who performed autopsy on 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in 1984 testified at accused killer's trial

Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) Testimony continued Friday in the trial of the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 19

13wham.com

Dec. 2, 2023
Rochester, N.Y. (WHAM) — Testimony continued Friday in the trial of the man accused of raping and killing 14-year-old Wendy Jerome in Rochester on Thanksgiving 1984.

A former Rochester police investigator took the stand to tell jurors about his interview with Timothy Williams less than a week after Jerome was killed.

Paul Boccacino estimated he spoke to approximately 30 people in the neighborhood six days after Jerome's death — including then-20-year-old Williams — hoping to find information about the crime.
[.....]
Jurors also heard testimony Friday from Dr. Nicholas Forbes, who conducted Jerome's initial autopsy.
[.....]
The jury was asked to leave the room while attorneys discussed an evidentiary matter involving Boccacino’s testimony. Williams' attorneys were not available for comment. The trial is scheduled to resume Monday.

So Interesting, I remember reading the name of the killer is often early in the case files.

Paul Boccacino estimated he spoke to approximately 30 people in the neighborhood six days after Jerome's death — including then-20-year-old Williams — hoping to find information about the crime.

 

[Niner]

Mistrial???!!!! shoot...

 

[dotr]

District attorney will retry 1984 cold case murder after mistrial ruling

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A judge’s decision to declare a mistrial in the case of a man accused of raping and killing a 14-year-old in 1984 was disappointing, but the right call. That is how Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley described Judge Thomas Moran’s decision Wednesday on the “Bob...

www.whec.com

''ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A judge’s decision to declare a mistrial in the case of a man accused of raping and killing a 14-year-old in 1984 was disappointing, but the right call.
That is how Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley described Judge Thomas Moran’s decision Wednesday on the “Bob Lonsberry Show” on WHAM1180.''

“It’s extremely frustrating,” she said. “We were almost done with our proof. We had a few more witnesses scheduled for today. We were going to finish with additional forensic testimony regarding DNA and then we were going to hopefully close and submit the case to a jury. And now we’ve got to do it all over again.”

The mistrial is because of jury misconduct, according to Doorley.

“Based upon that, the defense made the motion. He didn’t feel the jury would be fair and impartial, you know, they were grossly incompetent to serve, and the court granted that motion,” she said.''

“However, the prosecution, my family, friends, Wendy’s friends and I are strong and will do whatever is necessary to get justice for Wendy.”
Marlene Jerome''

Dec 6, 2023
Williams was accused of murder and rape after 14-year-old Wendy Jerome left her Denver Street home in 1984 and did not return. A body was found on Webster Avenue.

 

[Niner]

@dotr - any updates in the court site for any future dates yet? TIA!