GUILTY ID - Robert Manwill, 8, Boise, 24 July 2009 - #6

[Crosby87]

Who murdered Robert isn't clear so stay tuned everyone, the rest of the trial will certainly be interesting. It is expected to last another week or so and we haven't heard when Melissa Jenkins will testify however the Judge reminded Melissa Jenkins on Monday that she must testify truthfully or she could be charged with perjury. Judge warned Melissa Jenkins that if she lies, everyone will know.

A detective said Jenkins told him “Ehrlick hit things, not people, when he got frustrated and he couldn’t hit a person if he tried”; yet Ehrlick admitted to detectives he'd hit Robert with a stick and held his knees on Manwill's chest while he was in a 'deadbug' position.

Ehrlick said Jenkins was violent. “She would just go off. I’ve never seen another human being snap that quick...She’d come at me like nothing.” And Jenkins admitted on Day 19 of the trial she whipped Robert at least once.

Several of Ehrlick’s ex-girlfriends said he nearly killed them and a male witness testified
that Ehrlick tried to fight with him and he felt intimidated by Ehrlick. "He was upset, pretty mad, vulgar, threatening me.

Ehrlick was referred to a domestic violence assessment and treatment counselor by H&W after Jenkins fractured her son’s head and he took anger management classes through witness's office. Counselor had concerns about Ehrlick's "impulse control".

IMO, Ehrlick and Jenkins are sadistic.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[Crosby87]

Week 5, Day 21, Daniel Ehrlick Trial (Thursday, June 16, 2011)

First witness: Doctor who specializes in Internal Medicine & human torture cases.
He works @Bellevue Hospital in New York City & the School of Medicine @New York University; Went to Chile to train judges to evaluate medical evidence of torture.

- after stating his credentials, he said being tortured is one of the most devastating human experiences.
- Robert's death is classified as a “torture murder”.
- Reviewed transcripts of police interviews where Ehrlick described how he punished Robert and in his opinion, Ehrlick’s punishment of Robert is torture.
- Ehrlick admitted he hid Robert in a closet to keep him "out of the eyes of H&W caseworkers".
- In one particular transcript, Ehrlick told police Robert got the bruises “when his butt was swatted with a board”.
- He was contacted by prosecutors’ one-year ago to review transcripts, autopsy reports & Ehrlick's statements; and in his expert opinion, this case is consistent with “torture”.
- Ehrlick’s reason for torturing Robert may have been because if his abuse was reported, Jenkins' baby would be taken away.
On cross-examination:
- This is the first alleged child torture case this doctor has testified on.
- Pain is not necessarily torture; the context of the pain is important in determining whether it is torture.
- While holding the board prosecutors believe Ehrlick hit Robert with, he said "When I first held it, I thought, this is very intimidating."

Continued to cross-examine Doctor who testified for a total of 2 hours:
- He admitted repeat interrogation by authorities can be torture, but after reading and listening to police transcripts, this wasn’t the case with Ehrlick.

Next witness: Robert's former aunt who was married to Robert's stepmom's brother. She made the ‘Find Robert’ t-shirts.
- She described Robert's personality and talked about the search.

Next witness: BPD detective who previously testified. He discussed how they handled the leads.
- Any and all leads were investigated, including ‘psychic tips’ and ‘gut feelings’.
- Many olive-skinned male boys between the ages of 4-14 were mistaken to be Robert.

Next witness: Has a son who resembles Robert and is the same age as Robert. Son played around Ehrlick & Jenkins apartment.

Next witness: The son of the last witness who’s now 10-years-old. His father sat at prosecutors table during his testimony.
- Said a lot of people told him he looked like Robert during the search.

Next witness: Robert's grandfather who’s been in Court everyday. His daughter is married to Robert's father.
- Melissa Jenkins' parents and Robert's grandparents (step) had a double wedding.
- He has known Robert his entire life.
- Looked at Robert’s photo and identified him as “One sock on, one sock off Robert”.
- To correct Robert, spankings were definitely out of the question. “You never got anywhere spanking Robert."
- Sometimes after Robert returned from visiting Melissa Jenkins, he noticed bruises on him.
On cross-examination:
- Robert liked to go visit his mom, Melissa Jenkins, and became upset when Jenkins cancelled a scheduled visit.

Next witness: Robert's grandmother who is married to the last witness. Her daughter is married to Robert's dad.

Next witness: Robert's stepmom
- Robert couldn't read at the start of Grade I and she helped him learn.
- When Robert came to live with them, he'd throw tantrums and say he wanted to leave but by the Summer of 2009, Robert was happy and articulate.
- She searched for Robert from midnight until 2 p.m. the following day. "I just wandered up and down the streets looking for a sign."
- Ehrlick was very calm during search which she didn't find odd at the time. “Because I was very numb, I didn't paying attention to what was going on.”

Court is in recess until Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. Robert's stepmom will continue testifying.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[Crosby87]

Expert in human torture testifies in Daniel Ehrlick murder trial (photos included)
BOISE -- During day 21 of the Daniel Ehrlick murder trial, prosecutors laid out their case to prove Robert's death is from what they classified as torture murder.

Parts of the testimony Thursday focused on the horrifying conditions prosecutors say Robert endured. It was testimony that was difficult to hear, especially since the victim is a young boy.

"These are all common accepted methods of torture and abuse," said Dr. Allen Keller, an expert in human torture from the east coast.......

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Expert-in-...in-Daniel-Ehrlick-murder-trial-124066764.html

 

[Crosby87]

Week 5, Day 22, Daniel Ehrlick Trial (Friday, June 17, 2011)

First Witness: Robert's stepmother
- She described Robert's personality as outgoing; "he was always in your face, it was a lovable quality”.
On cross-examination: Defense asked about family relationships.
- Robert's stepmother is Melissa Jenkins age and they spent summers together.
- She said she was angry when she found out Robert was missing. “I was really mad that someone had lost my child.”
- Robert visited his father and stepmother twice in June 2009 when he had dentist appointments.
- Robert spent the night and they celebrated his Birthday with an ice cream cake.
- They planned to pick Robert up at his mother's on July 31st.

Next witness: Charles Manwill (Robert’s father)
- He said his first son died while he was on active duty and his first wife was charged with murder and pled guilty.
- After Jenkins' hurt her baby in the fall of 2008, H&W told him she couldn't see Robert until she met certain requirements.
- In late winter/early spring of 2009, H&W told him Robert could visit Jenkins as long as Ehrlick was there to supervise.
- H&W told him Melissa Jenkins met all their requirements and it was safe for Robert to resume visitations by the summer of 2009. (Friday, July 24, 2009 was the day Robert was reported as missing).
- Jenkins called to ask if Robert could skip his 4th of July visit to New Plymouth because he wanted to stay in Boise and he agreed.
- He knew Robert loved his mother and didn’t talk much on the phone so it seemed conceivable that Robert wanted to remain in Boise.
- He wrote on the survey the Detective gave him, Melissa Jenkins & Daniel Ehrlick that Robert was “annoying but lovable. Everybody was his new friend; he just hadn't met you yet."
- Robert was so outgoing they talked to him about personal space and how to set boundaries.
- Robert was reading Harry Potter. “He could probably relate to the characters. He may have very well seen a parallel to his own life.”
- He works at Gowen and said Robert was interested in the Army. “That’s all he ever talked about. He wanted to be a soldier like his daddy.”
- He believes if Robert was being hurt or bruised, he would have told his family in New Plymouth if he come home on July 4th.
- Jenkins called him at 10:45 pm on Friday, July 24th and left him a message saying: “[Inaudible] Robert’s missing! Bye!”
- On his way to Boise, Jenkins called him and said “You don’t really have to come down here. Robert will call you when we find him."
- Because he wanted to focus on finding his son and didn't want to be the centre of attention, Robert’s aunt was designated the family’s spokesperson.
- “Melissa is what the family kindly refers to as a drama queen.”
- During the search she said: “I’m the victim. It’s about me.”
- He submitted a DNA sample and Robert’s dental records as soon as he could so they could ascertain whether the body found in the canal was Robert.
- He described Jenkins/Ehrlick’s apartment as “filthy and disgusting. It smelled.”
- In his opinion, some of the witnesses who described the conditions inside the apartment were “just being polite”.
- Jenkins is weak-willed. “She has a very weak personality. She wouldn’t get physical with anyone bigger than her. She would have cowered in a heartbeat.”
- Before he left the stand, he said he wanted to mention that his son was good with his siblings.
Defense told Robert's father he is sorry for his loss and has no questions.

Next witness: Robert's uncle (stepmom's brother)
- Regarding Ehrlick he said, “At the time I didn’t notice how they were. Upon reflection, they were mainly concerned about what people were doing for them.”
- During the search, Jenkins told him “You were his favorite uncle.” (noticed Jenkins spoke in past tense)

Next witness: BPD Detective who previously testified. He downloaded Jenkins' message to Robert's father. Played Ehrlick messages to Jenkins day before Robert was reported missing.
- Ehrlick started by demanding then ended up crying. It became too quiet to hear anything more.
- In one of the last messages where Ehrlick is crying, he is very difficult to understand but I did hear Robert's name mentioned and I was going to listen to the tape again at the station.
On cross-examination:
- Detective clarified that the telephone messages left by Ehrlick on Jenkins phone actually occurred a week after Robert reported was missing, not beforehand.

Next witness: FBI agent
- He interviewed Ehrlick the day he left frantic, crying messages on Jenkins' phone.
- When Ehrlick told him someone close to him was involved in Robert’s disappearance, he expected him to blame Jenkins, not his dad.
- Ehrlick never specifically blamed Jenkins for Robert's disappearance. During the interview, Ehrlick was wearing a "Find Robert" t-shirt.
- Ehrlick didn't ask how Robert's body was recovered, the COD, or what kind of injuries he sustained.
- Said he was essentially getting information on three people: Ehrlick's dad, Jenkins (gave him opportunities to implicate her), and Daniel Ehrlick Jr.
On cross-examination:
- Ehrlick heard from his doctor that Robert's body had been recovered by the time he was interviewed by this FBI agent.

Next witness: Detective recalled and a DVD recording of FBI’s interview with Ehrlick on July 30th was played. (Tape is 93 minutes)

FBI Agent: We're looking into your dad. I want you to know we've committed a
significant amount of resources just to vet that out.
Ehrlick: Why is this being directed at our family? Why are we being dragged
through the mud?
FBI Agent: Our goal here is to clear people.
Ehrlick: Robert liked to go to the pond by my dad's house. Robert may have
paid enough attention and found the pond on his own.

The recording was paused and Court is in recess until Monday morning at 9 a.m.

Endnotes:
- Approximately 30 people in the gallery today.
- Ehrlick talked with his lawyers and recorded notes during today’s proceedings.
- Ehrlick has cried twice; once during his father's testimony.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[Crosby87]

Robert Manwill's dad had no idea his son was in danger

BOISE -- Daniel Ehrlick is accused of murdering Robert in July 2009.

He was dating Robert's mother at the time and Robert was living with them for the summer.

Robert's father Charles Manwill testified for the prosecution for two hours Friday morning.

He talked about who Robert lived with during different times.

In the year before Robert died, he was living in New Plymouth with his dad.

That fall Robert's mom pleaded guilty to injury to a child for fracturing Robert's half-brother's skull, and Robert's dad says Health and Welfare said Robert should not be allowed to visit Jenkins.

By the beginning of 2009, he says social workers said Robert could visit only if Daniel Ehrlick was there to supervise.

By the summer, Robert's dad says social workers said Melissa had completed her requirements and Robert could stay the summer at her home.

During the summer, Robert only saw his dad twice -- the last time being in mid-June.

He says Jenkins discouraged him from visiting, and even asked to cancel Robert's 4th of July visit to his dad's.

"She made certain statements to the effect of, 'Well, if Robert calls you up and says we're being mean to him or that we're hurting him, don't believe him, don't come running down here to his defense,'" Robert's dad Charles Manwill said.

Robert's dad testified he now worries Robert might have heard that conversation and perhaps been discouraged from talking to his dad -- thinking he wouldn't come pick him up.

It's something he says he feels guilty about.

The defense did not ask him any questions.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/crime/Robert-Manwills-dad-takes-the-stand-124107154.html

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

Robert Manwill's dad had no idea his son was in danger

BOISE -- Daniel Ehrlick is accused of murdering Robert in July 2009.

He was dating Robert's mother at the time and Robert was living with them for the summer.

Robert's father Charles Manwill testified for the prosecution for two hours Friday morning.

He talked about who Robert lived with during different times.

In the year before Robert died, he was living in New Plymouth with his dad.

That fall Robert's mom pleaded guilty to injury to a child for fracturing Robert's half-brother's skull, and Robert's dad says Health and Welfare said Robert should not be allowed to visit Jenkins.

By the beginning of 2009, he says social workers said Robert could visit only if Daniel Ehrlick was there to supervise.

By the summer, Robert's dad says social workers said Melissa had completed her requirements and Robert could stay the summer at her home.

During the summer, Robert only saw his dad twice -- the last time being in mid-June.

He says Jenkins discouraged him from visiting, and even asked to cancel Robert's 4th of July visit to his dad's.

"She made certain statements to the effect of, 'Well, if Robert calls you up and says we're being mean to him or that we're hurting him, don't believe him, don't come running down here to his defense,'" Robert's dad Charles Manwill said.

Robert's dad testified he now worries Robert might have heard that conversation and perhaps been discouraged from talking to his dad -- thinking he wouldn't come pick him up.

It's something he says he feels guilty about.

The defense did not ask him any questions.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/crime/Robert-Manwills-dad-takes-the-stand-124107154.html

Wow. Just horrible.

 

[Crosby87]

Wow. Just horrible.

I was shocked when Charles Manwill said Robert’s visitations with Melissa Jenkins were suspended by H&W after she cracked her youngest son’s skull in October 2008 and they were reinstated in the spring of 2009 as long as Ehrlick was there to supervise. Good grief. It is H&W responsibility to supervise Jenkins, not pass the buck to Ehrlick. Besides, H&W said they weren’t involved with Robert in 2009 but according to Robert’s father Charles, they were.

H&W referred Ehrlick to a domestic violence treatment counselor after the incident in October 2008 so I suspect Jenkins and Ehrlick were engaged in a domestic dispute when Jenkins attacked her son. Justin Smith, Jenkins' cousin, said he was called on two occasions when Jenkins and Ehrlick Jr. were fighting and Jenkins refused to press charges against Ehrlick. http://www.idahostatesman.com/2009/08/19/869934/first-degree-murder-robert-manwills.html

What I find equally disturbing is that H&W workers who visited the home regularly all turned a blind eye to the deplorable conditions the children were subjected to. Jenkins was ordered not to live with Ehrlick and as soon as H&W were aware that these unacceptable conditions existed, they should have immediately suspended Robert’s visitations with his mother and apprehended the baby IMO.

<snipped>

After Jenkins' hurt her baby in the fall of 2008, H&W told him she couldn't see Robert until she met certain requirements.
- In late winter/early spring of 2009, H&W told him Robert could visit Jenkins as long as Ehrlick was there to supervise.
- H&W told him Melissa Jenkins met all their requirements and it was safe for Robert to resume visitations by the summer of 2009.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[TobyWong*]

Thank You Bluesky#1. Alot of time and effort goes into keeping a thread going. I appreciate it.

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

I was shocked when Charles Manwill said Robert’s visitations with Melissa Jenkins were suspended by H&W after she cracked her youngest son’s skull in October 2008 and they were reinstated in the spring of 2009 as long as Ehrlick was there to supervise. Good grief. It is H&W responsibility to supervise Jenkins, not pass the buck to Ehrlick. Besides, H&W said they weren’t involved with Robert in 2009 but according to Robert’s father Charles, they were.

H&W referred Ehrlick to a domestic violence treatment counselor after the incident in October 2008 so I suspect Jenkins and Ehrlick were engaged in a domestic dispute when Jenkins attacked her son. Justin Smith, Jenkins' cousin, said he was called on two occasions when Jenkins and Ehrlick Jr. were fighting and Jenkins refused to press charges against Ehrlick. http://www.idahostatesman.com/2009/08/19/869934/first-degree-murder-robert-manwills.html

What I find equally disturbing is that H&W workers who visited the home regularly all turned a blind eye to the deplorable conditions the children were subjected to. Jenkins was ordered not to live with Ehrlick and as soon as H&W were aware that these unacceptable conditions existed, they should have immediately suspended Robert’s visitations with his mother and apprehended the baby IMO.

<snipped>

After Jenkins' hurt her baby in the fall of 2008, H&W told him she couldn't see Robert until she met certain requirements.
- In late winter/early spring of 2009, H&W told him Robert could visit Jenkins as long as Ehrlick was there to supervise.
- H&W told him Melissa Jenkins met all their requirements and it was safe for Robert to resume visitations by the summer of 2009.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

Very shocking. H&W in CYA mode (well, that's not so shocking). However, I've never heard of a family member being appointed to supervise! :waitasec:

 

[pittsburghgirl]

And clearly one with a record of domestic abuse. Good grief, what stupidity.

 

[Crosby87]

In today&#8217;s Court proceedings, Ehrlick admitted to a detective that Jenkins was ordered by H&W not to live with him so she normally slept at neighbors but not always.

A nursing assistant who lived in the same apartment block as Jenkins and Ehrlick when Manwill disappeared said Jenkins asked her to lie to Health and Welfare and say she was staying in her apartment not Ehrlick's.

The only person who did any real investigating in this case beside the police officers was Jenkins&#8217; coworker who picked up the phone and called the police to verify what Jenkins said about her son being missing.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[Crosby87]

Week 6, Day 22, Daniel Ehrlick Trial, Monday, June 20, 2011

First witness: ER doctor at St. Alphonsus Medical Centre who treated Ehrlick for possible drug overdose on July 31, 2009.
- The drugs Ehrlick supposedly overdosed on were Lorazepam (sedative) and Zoloft (SSRI, antidepressant) which he was prescribed two days before.
- Doctor didn&#8217;t find any evidence to suggest Ehrlick had taken an overdose of pills.
- Ehrlick said he didn&#8217;t want to kill himself and if he did he wouldn&#8217;t do it with pills.
- Ehrlick went to the Police station before he visited the ER.
- Jenkins' sister thought Ehrlick might have taken an overdose of Lorazepam (Ativan).
On cross-examination:
- Doctor was asked to explain the side effects of Lorazepam and Zoloft.
- Neither Ehrlick nor Jenkins' sister indicated Ehrlick was suicidal; just that he may have overdosed.

Next witness: Pharmacologist who deals with neurology & psychiatry and works in clinical trial development.
-. If someone takes too many pills they could have problems walking, making judgments, etc.
During their opening statements, Prosecutors said Ehrlick's behavior was "inconsistent with innocence" and he faked a suicide attempt.
On cross examination:
-Agitation/anger is a paradoxical reaction that might be a side effect of anti-anxiety medication. Normally happens in younger people.
- Ehrlick tested positive for marijuana and negative for alcohol one week after Robert Manwill reported missing.
- Doctors testified that Ehrlick didn't actually take a toxic amount of pills that Jenkins' sister believed he had.

Watched the DVD that was played on Friday of Ehrlick&#8217;s discussion with FBI Agent. (Ehrlick is wearing a "Find Robert" t-shirt.)
- Ehrlick while crying told the agent, &#8220;I love Robert. I love him very, very much.&#8221; Ehrlick was upset the police took Jenkins&#8217; other son. &#8220;They were my boys, man. They were my boys.&#8221;
- Agent told Ehrlick if there was an accident he needs to tell. &#8220;Sometimes people make mistakes after accidents happen."
- Agent mentioned the child abuse case involving Jenkins other son and her anger to give Ehrlick an opportunity to accuse Jenkins.
- Agent told Ehrlick &#8220;I don&#8217;t know of anyone who&#8217;s expressed more care and more concern for Robert including his mother."
- Agent said although the Media is making Jenkins and Ehrlick out to be bad parents, he doesn't believe Ehrlick was a bad parent all in an attempt to get Ehrlick to accuse Jenkins.
- Ehrlick told the agent he doesn't know if Jenkins is involved. &#8220;I have yet to ask her if she has anything to do with this.&#8221;
- Ehrlick said he swatted Robert twice on his buttocks in the last few weeks. &#8220;Most of my punishment with Robert are time outs.&#8221;
- Ehrlick said Jenkins were still suspects:
Agent: &#8220;Can we take you off our list?&#8221;
Ehrlick: "No."
Agent: &#8220;So we&#8217;re right back where we started.&#8221;
Ehrlick: (goes from sobbing to angry). &#8220;I&#8217;m done!&#8221; and he pushed his chair
away, grabbed his water bottle and was about to leave but
stayed when the Agent offered more information. Ehrlick stayed for
for about a minute to hear recordings of other interviews then in an
angry tone said, "I see what you guys are trying to do."

Ehrlick left the room and returned with two BPD detectives who said they needed more information. They told Ehrlick "Don't take your anger out on us."

- Ehrlick went over his timeline again which is full of inconsistencies. He kept trying to leave but kept coming back. The DVD which was 90 minutes is now over.

Next witness: BPD detective who came in at end of the interview.
- Confronted Ehrlick in the hall and told him they will find Robert&#8217;s body and when they do, the investigation will focus on him.
Detective: &#8220;This is your only chance to assist us. When we find that body,
your world will come to an end."

- Detective testified that is was the first time Ehrlick was confronted and it was after the 1 1/2 hour interview with FBI. (according to Jamie Grey&#8217;s notes from last week, this intense FBI/BPD interview was the day before Ehrlick went to hospital for possible overdose.

Next witness: BPD detective who was initially the lead detective on this case. He testified before and he interviewed Ehrlick for an hour after FBI interviewed him.
- Ehrlick told him Robert ate a banana and drank a glass of juice for breakfast and ate oatmeal and raisins for lunch because he complained.
- Listened to another audio recording where Ehrlick is noticeably calmer while talking to police. The tape is very difficult to hear. Ehrlick went over what he did the day Robert was reported missing. No one recalled seeing Robert that day only Ehrlick and that was during the search.
- Detective found it odd when Ehrlick began talking about his father&#8217;s weird behavior.
- Ehrlick told detective he called Jenkins within an hour or two after he noticed Robert was gone and the police arrived quickly after he called 911.
- Ehrlick admitted to the detective that Jenkins was ordered by H&W not to live with him and she normally slept at neighbors but not always.

Recording which was 1 1/4 hours is over. In last two days, Court heard three hours of police interviews recorded on Day one of the investigation.

By the evening of July 30th, after Police learned how Ehrlick disciplined Robert, they began interrogating Ehrlick, not interviewing him. The recording of the interrogation was played several weeks ago in court which took place after Jenkins talked to Police.

Next witness: A retired FBI Special Agent based in Boise (used to be a naval lawyer and NCIS before he joined the FBI).
- Said when Ehrlick reached out to him he was surprised because they hadn't really talked before. Ehrlick made small talk then invited the detective out. The detective that joined agent in conversation with Ehrlick was the last witness. The interview they eventually did was the last recording we heard.
- Ehrlick told them the hole in wall happened when he fell against it.
- When Detective said they were going to conduct tests on the wall, Ehrlick blurted out "Robert's head is bigger than mine."
- Ehrlick told them it was Jenkins idea to hide Robert in a closet during H&W visits.
Agent: &#8220;Those are the kind of moments that definitely get your attention.&#8221;
- Ehrlick told the detectives he would meet them in the morning to tell them the whole story, the truth, but the next morning he went to ER.

Court is in recess until Tuesday morning at 9 a.m.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[Crosby87]

Ehrlick Got Angry with Cops during Interrogation

BOISE -- Now in week six, prosecutors are continuing their case against Daniel Ehrlick, who's accused of murdering his then-girlfriend's son Robert Manwill.

Prosecutors focused on one roughly 24-hour period nearly a week after Ehrlick reported Robert missing.

That day, police and FBI agents interviewed and interrogated Ehrlick for hours.

The first interview was videotaped and went for about an hour-and-a-half.

During that interview an FBI agent talks with Ehrlick, mostly about possible suspects.

That agent told the jury he was primarily focused on Ehrlick, Jenkins and Ehrlick's father at that point.

For a while he gives Ehrlick chances to implicate or accuse Jenkins, but Ehrlick never does.

In another attempt to try and find out where Robert is the agent suggested maybe there was an accident with Robert and he panicked.

"My point is it makes a big difference to us if this is something that was an accident that can get fixed or that we can understand."

"I had nothing to do with this."

"I understand."

"No you don't."

Eventually, Ehrlick gets angry, pushes his chair away and moves to leave several times.

After that interview a Boise Police detective confronted him in the hall.

We heard that audio today as well, police by this point were directly telling Ehrlick they were suspicious of him.

They also told Ehrlick they believed they'd find Robert's body and then the investigation would move toward Ehrlick.

By the end of the day, Ehrlick agreed he'd come back the next day and offer the truth.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Ehrlick-got-angry-with-cops-during-interrogation-124217579.html

 

[Idaho-native]

The only person who did any real investigating in this case beside the police officers was Jenkins’ coworker who picked up the phone and called the police to verify what Jenkins said about her son being missing.

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

That is so sad to say, but isn't it the truth!! They didn't trust her and thought she was up to something and smelled something fishy right away. There are so many other departments and even people who could have and should have done some investigating and didn't. I briefly met Ehrlick Sr when I was at the funeral and that man was so upset and having a hard time with everything and I would never say to anyone "well if you would of" because I don't think its right to make someone feel guilty in a situation like this, but.... if he was worried about Roberts health then he could have called and had health and welfare to a welfare check on Robert. You can always call health and welfare and be anonymous and even if you leave your name they aren't going to tell the people who made the call. Health and welfare HAS to respond to every child welfare check and that simple phone call would have alerted them that MJ was living there as well as Robert.

I know there is a lot of people out there that abuse the child welfare system as far as calling child services on people because they are being spiteful to one another and want to cause hurt to each other. A lot of cases end up being closed for that reason. I think its wrong to use child services for that reason and make a call that serious for personal drama, but by all means when there is a genuine need for a child welfare check to be done then by all means it should be done. This would have been a time it needed very much to be done.

 

[Rhyme & Reason]

And clearly one with a record of domestic abuse. Good grief, what stupidity.

I'm dumbfounded! Never heard of such a thing.

 

[Crosby87]

Here is what was going on in Jenkins life around the time she met Ehrlick in the Spring of 2007.

<snipped>

"Danny was a troubled boy all his life," Ehrlick Sr. said. "He would get in trouble doing stupid things. ... Then he has had a lot of problems with drugs."

Now 36, he has spent nearly seven years, off and on, in Idaho correctional facilities and at least 10 years on probation in Idaho and Washington. He has been convicted of burglary, battery, possession of drug paraphernalia and more.

According to friends and family members Jenkins discovered she was pregnant with her third child around the time she met Daniel at a poker game in 2007.

Jenkins wanted to end a relationship that she told Manwill and others was abusive, friends and court documents said. In January 2008, complications with her pregnancy left her hospitalized for weeks.

Manwill added that the hospital "had kept the admission of mother Melissa, and her room number, secret because mother Melissa was concerned that the ex-boyfriend may storm into the hospital and Melissa's room and cause extreme trouble."

Ehrlick Jr. was with her every day, Ehrlick Sr. said. He "practically lived in that hospital room" with her, Ames said.

He wasn't Ehrlick Jr.'s child - according to Ames and other family members and friends. (Idaho birth certificates aren't public records for 100 years, and neither Jenkins nor Ehrlick would agree to an interview for this story.)

It's unknown whether Ehrlick Jr. knew all along or found out later, but every one of his family, friends and neighbors interviewed said the same thing: He treated that baby boy as his own.

The baby was given Ehrlick's surname and Ehrlick Jr. is acknowledged in court documents as the father.

Family members say that before Robert disappeared, Trish Burrill, Jenkins older sister and Boise resident who acted as the family's spokeswoman at police news conferences about Robert's disappearances had not seen Jenkins and Robert in about 18 months.

A court affidavit filed by Robert's father indicates that Burrill would not take the boy in while Jenkins was hospitalized for a few weeks in 2008 and Robert lived primarily with his father, Charles, in New Plymouth - an arrangement crafted after Jenkins was laid up in the hospital for a few weeks before ***** was born and she had no one to take care of Robert.

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2009/08/19/869934/first-degree-murder-robert-manwills.html

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2009/08/06/857401/someone-killed-8-year-old-robert.html

 

[Salem]

Bluesky - is this trial being live streamed? If so, do you have a link?

Thanks,

Salem

 

[Salem]

Found a live tweet/blog here: http://www.ktvb.com/news/Live-updates-from-the-Daniel-Ehrlick-murder-trial-124284939.html

Says the prosecution has rested and that Jenkins did not testify. Judge expects that the case will go to the jury around Thursday next week.

Salem

 

[Crosby87]

Day 24, Week 6, Daniel Ehrlick Trial, Tuesday, June 21, 2011

- Prosecutor admitted evidence including a model of Robert's head that's been adjusted to meet defense&#8217;s arguments.
- Jurors listened to an 8-minute recording of a police conversation with Ehrlick and Jenkins which was very difficult to hear.

First state witness: Kyle Burrill, Jenkins' brother-in-law and husband of Trish Burrill. Melissa Jenkins older sister. Trish was the family spokesperson during search.
- Ehrlick told him: &#8220;They&#8217;re trying to pin this on me. They&#8217;re pinning it all on me.&#8221;
- Said Ehrlick faked crying (sounds, no tears).
- He never saw Ehrlick help with the search or with the logistics during search for Robert.(you will recall previous testimony said Ehrlick withdrew and watched television).
On cross-examination by Defense:
- Witness confirmed he told police Jenkins had Robert stand with his nose against a wall or sit on his hands to infer Jenkins disciplined and punished Robert.

Prosecutors immediately dismissed the Jury and called Trish Burrill (Melissa&#8217;s older sister and family spokesperson during search) to discuss something with her. Trish began crying almost immediately and said "Robert was a wonderful child, energetic..."
- Jenkins' sister asked family not to go out and search due to 'concerns'.
- She added Ehrlick didn&#8217;t help with fliers or other duties.
- Ehrlick told her that Jenkins lied to police when she told them he hit Robert with a board.
- Ehrlick told her Police were trying to blame him.
- Ehrlick spent the night at her house the night before the suspected pill overdose. We learned yesterday, Ehrlick hadn't overdosed.
- She took Ehrlick to the police.
On cross-examination:
- Trish, Jenkins' older sister dated Robert's father before Jenkins.

Prosecutors admitted the 'Find Robert' t-shirt Ehrlick wore to the hospital into evidence.
Jenkins' sister had the shirts made. After Trish Burrill finished testifying, she walked over to Robert's father and family to give them hugs. A few jurors watched.

Next witness: BPD Officer who rode in ambulance with Ehrlick to the hospital.
Officer:
"When I was around him, he was unresponsive and he appeared to be unconscious. But Ehrlick braced for a curve so he probably wasn't unconscious. When the doctor wanted to intubate, Erhlick suddenly became alert."

- Prosecutors said Ehrlick faked suicide attempt to avoid police questioning.

Next state witness: A clinician at St. Alphonsus who tried to interview Ehrlick during suspected overdose episode.
- Said Ehrlick was intentionally uncooperative.
- When Ehrlick removed the &#8220;find Robert&#8217; t-shirt he was wearing, he saw Ehrlick step on it and kick it which he thought was "disrespectful". Court took a 15-minute break.

Because the Attorneys keep their witness line-up secret, there is no indication when Jenkins will testify.

Prosecutors admitted summaries of timelines so the jury can have them which will certainly make things easier for them. All the exhibits including CDs and DVDs played in Court will be in the jury room during deliberation.

Next witness: Detective who did surveillance on Ehrlick while grand jury deliberated. After indictment was handed down, this detective went to arrest Ehrlick at his father's residence.
- When they arrived at the residence, Ehrlick ran inside the house and tried to hold the screen door shut however they got in and the other detective handcuffed him.
(Ehrlick&#8217;s father testified in Court on Day 19 that his son&#8217;s arrest was very traumatic for him and an officer held a gun to his son&#8217;s neck.
- When they told Ehrlick he was under arrest for Robert's murder, he said "prove it".

BREAKING NEWS: The prosecution just rested and did not call Jenkins. Defense will begin on Thursday at 1:00 pm. and the Judge expects the case to go to the jury the following Thursday.

Endnote:
Jamie Grey at KTVB.com will be gone for a week and @ScottEvansNews will be replace her with tweets!

http://twitter.com/#!/KTVBJamieGrey

 

[Crosby87]

Prosecution in Ehrlick murder trial rests its case
(video included)

BOISE -- Prosecution in the Daniel Ehrlick murder trial rested its case just after 11 a.m. Tuesday without calling the mother of the young victim to the stand.

Melissa Jenkins could have been called to testify against her former boyfriend, Daniel Ehrlick, who is accused of murdering her son, 8-year-old Robert Manwill.

The court ruled to compel her testimony last summer; earlier this year, she pleaded guilty to aiding and abetting the torture murder of her son. Prosecutors could have asked her about the plea, but not who she aided and abetted. Because she hasn't testified, as of now, the jury will not consider her plea in their deliberations.

Prosecutors also filed a number of motions regarding her possibly testimony. The court had granted her immunity from greater charges for any testimony or statements to prosecutors before testifying. Though she didn't have immunity with defense, the judge said Ehrlick's attorneys would have had greater latitude to cross-examine Jenkins.

Prosecutors could still call Jenkins as a rebuttal witness, though it is uncertain whether they might do so.

The defense is scheduled to start presenting its witnesses and exhibits (if attorneys choose to present anything) on Thursday at 1 p.m.

The judge told jurors she estimated attorneys would deliver closing arguments the following Thursday (June 30) afternoon. The jury would be allowed to deliberate as long as they wanted that evening, or choose to come back Friday if they were not finished. The jury will not meet 4th of July weekend (even if they are not finished).

The Ehrlick murder trial is in its sixth week.

Daniel Ehrlick is accused of murdering the young boy in 2009. Prosecutors allege that abuse by Ehrlick resulted in Robert Manwill's death.

http://www.ktvb.com/news/Prosecution-in-Ehrlick-murder-trial-rests-its-case-124295989.html