LEXINGTON, S.C. — The murder trial of Timothy Jones Jr resumed Tuesday, May 28, in Lexington County Courthouse with taped testimony from Dr. Joseph Lipman, a neuropharmacologist, about the affects of drugs on the human brain.
Jones is charged with murder in the death of his five children back in 2014. Prosecutors say he killed the children, then drove to Alabama where he dumped the bodies.
Jones' legal team argues their client is not guilty by reason of insanity. The prosecution is seeking the death penalty.
During the 2 hour and 17 minute videotape, Dr. Lipman was asked by the defense team to look at a history of drug use by Tim Jones — marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids, along with Chantix.
It was Lipman’s opinion that Jones’ synthetic marijuana use more likely than not exacerbated his delusional state and increased his paranoid, psychotic behavior.
The doctor described the effects the drugs have on the brain:
- Natural cannabis acts on the receptors in the brain; human physiology creates natural endocannabinoids and are neural transmitters; cannabis’ natural THC and cannabinol “fits” the brain’s receptors and provokes a response (the efficacy of the drug).
- Synthetic cannabinoids were designed by medicinal chemists to treat certain cancers, insomnia, bulimia, etc. There are approximately 150 new generations of synthetics, the newer generations no longer resemble THC as it began; what you get now — CBD oils (except one) are not FDA regulated.
- Some anti-psychotic molecules designed by chemists are used to treat anxiety and psychosis.
- Effects can induce a transient psychotic state — the “weed makes me paranoid” state wears off after a period of time.
Lipman testified that psychosis doesn’t emerge in people until age 20+; before that people may be considered “odd,” or unusual in their magical thinking. That may not mean that they will become psychotic. Psychosis grows in adulthood, and marijuana use increases the chances of psychosis if used in teenage years (15+), according to multiple studies. Lipman said “schizophrenics can be highly intelligent but called odd, they may have odd way of doing things.”
It was the doctor’s opinion that Jones suffered from psychosis — according to some medical records (military, Navy). Lipman testified that, in schizophrenics, pot use makes psychosis worse even though they claim it makes their unhappiness go away.
Lipman said that the synthetic marijuana was “gasoline on the fire of (Jones’) illness.”
“Psychotics don’t think they’re psychotic, their view of reality is very, very different from ours… they don’t see themselves (as a rule) as ill.”
In reviewing Jones’ records, Lipman found Jones’ drug of choice was marijuana, before changing to synthetic marijuana. Testing to confirm use of synthetics, traces were found of AB-Pinaca — a synthetic marijuana developed by Phizer and is a pure agonist, with vastly greater potency on the CB1 receptor in human brain. AB Pinaca is up to +20X stronger than marijuana and would displace naturally occurring THC.
Effects of AB-Pinaca would last typically 10 hours, but studies have not been published measuring blood levels to mental effect (duration of action in the brain); drugs are metabolized; THC from marijuana eventually becomes benign — regular pot users will have inactive cannabinoids leach out of the body over a period of time. AB-Pinaca is not a therapeutic drug, it metabolizes and remains in the system and Lipman says any underlying psychotic illnesses are subject to becoming unstable and worse.
During the time Jones was supposedly taking synthetic marijuana, he was also prescribed Chantix — a drug developed by Phizer to help a patient stop smoking.
Chantix comes in different doses: a starter pack of 0.5mg dosage for first week, followed by 42 tablets of 1mg; after that, the blue box Chantix is continuation of drug of 1mg tablets.
Jones had a starter pack and two blue boxes of Chantix in his home at the time of his arrest. They had been prescribed to him on February 7, 2014.
Chantix also carries what the FDA calls a “black box warning” — meaning that it is the most severe warning label available for marketing a drug, in this case after multiple reports of attempted suicide and increased hostility and agitation. The warning label on the drug box begins “Patients should be observed for increased psychotic….. “
Lipman testified that since Jones has been in custody he has been prescribed another drug : Geodon. Geodon causes clouding of consciousness, blunting of mood. According to Lipman, the drug blunts euphoria, is quite unpleasant to take, and can produce brain damage — causing tremors, contractions in the muscles in the tongue and neck that can affect voice.
Geodon is not used unless absolutely necessary. The anti-psychotic is given daily (it dissipates after 8 hours), and some patients have psychotic symptoms return after 8 hours. Patients must carry drug with them to take because they can’t miss dosage.
Deputy solicitor Suzanne Mayes led the cross-examination of Lipman.
Before getting to the effects Chantix may have had on Jones, Mayes asked Lipman if he had testified before to the side effects of Goedon, had he published papers on the drug. Did he know that Jones was prescribed Goedon after his arrest?
Lipman testified that according to his notes, Jones was admitted to prison on Sept. 13, 2014, on safekeeping status without being prescribed Geodon. On Sept. 18, 2014, Jones’ was prescribed Geodon, 60mg/day. On October 9, 2014, Prozac added, then neurotryptomine; the Geodon dosage increased to unknown limit.
Lipman doesn’t have a history of Jones’ dosage amounts. It was not provided to him by the defense team.
Lipman: No prohibition of exceeding a maximum level of dosage if prescribed by doctor.
In tests done on Jones in 2016, Geodon may have had an impact on results of motor skills and cognition.
Lipman’s report on Nov.13, 2017, said Jones was examined in April 2016 by defense consultant anLipman says that someone on the defense team told him that Jones’ dosage of Geodon has been increased. Mayes asks if Lipman would have needed that information to form an opinion, that the prescription dosages wasn’t provided
Lipman testifies that he wasn’t provided dosage information needed to form a complete professional opinion of Jones.
Records were included from current facility (from defense to Lipman) and State provided Lipman (on the stand) the dosage history for Jones. The amount of Geodon for Jones was 320mg daily.
As for the Chantix, Mayes asked Lipman if he knew that
- Jones wanted to start re-taking the drug
- Jones had taken Chantix before and stopped
- Jones says he did well on Chantix in the past
- Jones did not get suicidal in the past, according to medical records from Doctors Care
Lipman testified that he had not met or interviewed Jones in person and that he doesn’t know if Jones was taking Chantix in 2014, just that it was prescribed.
There was a starter pack and a continuation pack opened and one unopened continuation Chantix pack in Jones’ home at the time of his arrest. Lipman saw that nine (9) pills missing from one of the continuation packs, and the starter pack was either taken (or missing) since February.
Mayes: Dr Lipman, nine pills from February would not have caused Jones to kill his children?
Lipman: No. There was no approximate cause at all — but people with underlying illnesses can be completely knocked off the rails by drugs… Once an underlying mental illness has been disturbed, it can manifest at any time.
Mayes asked Lipman if he has seen the final report from the court-appointed psychiatrist of Jones in April 2019 where that doctor did not find an underlying mental illness.
Lipman testified that he had not seen that report and had relied on Jones’ defense team to supply him the information he needed for analysis.
Moving to the AB-Pinaca use: Mayes pointed out that, according to studies, AB Pinaca can mimic mental illness; where there is dependence, there can be withdrawal symptoms —anxiety, psychosis and depression. Metabolized drugs can remain in the blood system — studies are not sure how long — withdrawal symptoms not well known because not many studies done.
Mayes asked if there was any reliable information that Jones was taking AB Pinaca at the time of the killings in 2014?
Lipman responds: No, just records, no blood work reports.
Mayes asked Lipman did he know that from the time of Jones’ arrest in September 2014, there was a blood report and items (Scooby Snax) take into evidence. Jones told law enforcement he had taken Spice, and blood tests were positive for AB Pinaca.
According to police reports, in spite of his use of Spice, Jones —while under the influence of the drug — told law enforcement he had no children; was able to lie to law enforcement, conceal evidence of decomposition by saying he was carrying garbage, explained that the chemical compounds of Scooby Snax were legal, and that Jones told law enforcement he hadn’t used AB Pinaca that day?
Lipman responded that he was here to give an opinion about use of AB Pinaca on the day (Sept. 6, 2014). Taking Spice was immaterial, the drug use exacerbated Jones’ mental illness and effects didn’t go away if he didn’t use it that day.
Lipman said he didn’t rely on defendant’s saying he used it that day; rather that Jones said he used two months before and then immediately after the murders.
Mayes: This is self-reported by Jones.
Lipman would add his present condition is not being treated lightly. Whoever is prescribing drugs for Jones now is doing so because Jones has a psychotic illness; Lipman testified that he is relying on information given to him rather than direct observation.
Mayes: Jones is not a reliable historian as to his drug use
Lipman: No opinion on Jones’ reliability. (Lipman’s) opinion is based on assumptions made on information provided.
On re-direct, defense attorney Rob Madsen asked Lipman about the drugs Jones is currently prescribed — propranolol (to treat anxiety, Post-traumatic stress disorder), suprasadone (anti psychotic), prolyxin (anti psychotic, tranqulizing effect), Geodon, Benadryl (for controlling twitching that is a side effects of anti-psys), and Prozac (anti depressant).
Madsen notes that Jones had to restart with Chantix; and cites three reports that were included that show mental illness, and one from the doctor at South Carolina Department of Corrections about dosages.
Lipman: Dosage decisions are not made lightly, there must be a justified reason for dosage… In June 2016, Jones is prescribed propranolol (anxiety, ptsd), suprasadone (anti psychotic), prolyxin (anti psychotic, more tranqulizing), Geodone, Benadryl (for controlling Parkinson-like twitching that is a side effects of anti-psychotics), and Prozac (anti depressant).
With the last word, Mayes re-asks Lipman: At time of incident (the killings of his children), no one diagnosed Jones with a psychotic disorder. All opinions cited in reports were based on self-reported behaviors by Jones;
Lipman notes that records from prison —after his arrest — show an evaluation of Jones’ condition and a diagnosis with a psychotic spectrum mental disorder.
Mayes asks Lipman: Prior to the killings, reports of mental illness were self-reported by Jones.
Lipman: (checking his notes)
Mayes asks Lipman if he knows where the information (about any Jones’ diagnosis prior to the killings) came from; did he know it was self-reported by Jones
Lipman doesn’t know where the information came from.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> THE DSS CASEWORKER
Defense Rob Madsen calls Sherry Henry, retired case manager from Lexington County Department of Social Services (DSS).
Henry became involved with the Jones family after DSS was called on three occasions:
First in 2012, a call of child neglect because the house was messy and tools were left in the living room;
Second, on May 5, 2014 she became involved after a call from school officials at Saxe Gothe Elementary called for DSS to perform a risk assessment concerning Nahtahn. Henry went to the school and at met with Nahtahn. She testifies that the boy showed no fear of his father at that time. Two teachers were with the boy during Henry’s interview; photos taken that day show marks on the boy’s neck and forearms.
Henry testifies she called Tim Jones to meet him at her office. Two deputies from Lexington County Sheriffs Department were present at her office, conducting a joint interview; one detective went one-on-one talking about incident.
Henry said Tim Jones told her that he and Elias had finished putting together a train set and Nahtahn had “destroyed it,” and it was upsetting. Tim had jerked him up by the collar and spanked him, not choked him, and proceeded to show Henry how he did it.
Henry said she determined the kids could stay with Tim but the family had to have safety plan.
In the plan:
- the house had to be clean,
- because of physicalness of injuries, no horseplay, no wrestling,
- no corporal punishment physical discipline for the kids;
Henry said she followed Tim home same day because she had to set foot in home environment, she wanted to see the home it as it is, and observe Tim’s interaction with children.
At the time, Henry determined the kids were fine. The home was cluttered by not unsafe; her report states there were excessive religious items (crosses on wall, Bible, bible phrases).
Henry did a placement evaluation next morning (a DSS procedure that even though law enforcement said kids were ok, did DSS need to do more?… in this case, no); and went back to Saxe Gotha on May 6, to find out if child had been questioned or what happened after she left the child with Tim.
A school nurse sat in with Henry and Nahtahn;
Henry then made an unannounced home visit on May 15 — again to capture home environment and children’s demeanor in a natural state.
On May 15, it was Mera’s birthday. Tim had bought cupcakes. When Henry came in, the kids had cupcakes, and Tim had a baby on hip.
Amber wast on phone. Henry said that Tim told Amber that DSS was there and then handed the phone to Henry.
Henry testified that she checked the kids and Tim told her that Amber hadn’t seen children in four months.
June 16, Henry went to Sue Dockery’s home (babysitter) to see how the children were, and asked if she had any concerns; Dockery said Tim was a good father.
Henry testified that on July 24, DSS declared the case founded for danger of substantial risk of physical abuse to children, but because there was a safety plan in place DSS concluded no intervention was needed. The agency did not feel there was any further risk to the children; Henry didn’t think the kids were in danger
Henry responded to allegations against Tim Jones again on Aug 7, 2014. Tim allegedly had beaten Elias, leaving substantial bruising, and allowed the children to have only two chicken nuggets apiece.
Henry went with two officers to the Jones house. The children were at the babysitter’s (Christine Ehlke) and the family had just gotten home.
Henry saw the children immediately — one deputy stayed with Tim, one deputy went with Henry to babysitter’s house.
Tim was surprised by the DSS visit, and Henry said he grumbled something about a “disgruntled babysitter” [NOT Ehlke].
Elias had a bandage above his eye because Mera had kicked a door and the boy was bruised by accident, events that the babysitter confirms. Henry and the deputy find diaper rash on Abigail and Henry says the babysitter thought it might be the cheap diapers Tim bought that caused the irritation.
Photographs shown to Henry by Madsen are pictures Henry took of the children on Aug. 7. Photos of Nahtahn’s face, front and back to prove the boy had no bruises. There are also photos of Elias, Mera, Gabriel and Abigail.
Henry testified that Ehlke has no concerns about Tim and his children.
Other photos taken of trailer show the inside of Jones’ almost food bare refrigerator and freezer, the living room, laundry room, hallway, babies’ bedroom, the restroom, family room and kitchen (which is a bit messy).
The report was generated after a complaint came about substantial bruising on Elias
On cross examination, Deputy Solicitor Mayes begins with Jones’ DSS history:
The May 5, 2014 report on Nahtahn came in through Saxe Gotha teachers through DSS phone bank. Teachers are mandatory reporters anyone observing neglectful or abusive behavior on a child are required to report, anyone from the community can call a report, but teachers are mandatory. Amy Shearer reports bruising on Nahtahn’s neck and forearms; Henry sent out to school; Tim Jones has not been notified of report; under SC law, Henry can talk confidentially with the child and report maker.
Henry interviewed Nahtahn; and she testifies that the boy never said he was choked, but the teacher said he said he was choked.
Henry pulled the older sister Mera out of class, Mera didn’t know DSS was coming; Henry’s notes on Mera says the girl saw Nahtahn get a spanking.
Henry validated that Timothy Jones got upset with the child, choked him and pushed him against wall. Because of that, Henry and Jones had to write up a safety plan so that Jones could retain custody of his children. In the DSS plan of action: Mr Jones will agree not to use physical actions against the children, keep the house clean, not discuss the allegations with children, DSS will monitor the family, and Jones will not wrestle with children. A copy of the DSS safety plan is recorded with Nahtahn’s DSS report.
According to Henry, Jones was aware of the conditions, and that the conditions included no physical contact by hands/belts/etc, no corporal punishment.
Henry had concerns assessing risk, had to sign report, but returns to Saxe Gothe the next day. Checking in on the children, Henry finds Nahtahn to be hesitant, not wanting to talk.
Henry writes up her report as the Jones children at substantial risk BUT because safety plan in place with Tim Jones’ signature, DSS closes the case. The safety plan covers all children, not just Nahtahn. Henry says Tim understood the conditions.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> AFTERNOON: CHARACTER WITNESSES
After lunch, the defense team begins with calling Kimberly Fender, a scold psychologist that had sessions with the two oldest Jones children — Mera and Elias. She was on the stand for less than five minutes, really to just confirm the fact that she saw the children in the latter part of 2012 and early 2013.
After Fender there was a series of character witnesses — each in turn vouching for the character of Timothy Jones Jr.
First is Brandon Brokaw. He went to college at Mississippi State at the same time as Jones and the two worked together at Intel.
Brokaw says as classmates senior design engineering, he found to be Tim smart and inquisitive. Tim had a family, so the two men didn’t hang out socially.
The men graduated MSU in May 2011 and started jobs at Intel in Columbia in June.
While Jones roomed with Brokaw for a few weeks while finding a place to live, Brokaw testified that Jones talked about his religious views and work.
Brokaw said Jones’ talk about his faith was radical, no room for debate of other beliefs; Jones was definitely passionate about his beliefs, which Brokaw described as not mainstream but Old Testament.
Brokaw testified that Jones had no filter, he just stated his opinion on things and was not terribly open to opposing views. Most religious discussions were one-on-one
At time, just starting their jobs, Brokaw couldn’t say if he would have socialized with Jones outside of work or not.
According to Brokaw, Jones talked about wife and kids. There were arguments about living, he wanted trailer, Amber didn’t but Tim was adamant. It seemed to Brokaw that Jones had the opinion that the man makes all the decisions in the household, based on Jones’ religious views.
Brokaw was aware that Tim and Amber were having problems. Tim came over to Brokaw’s cubicle and said he wanted to talk, he needed a cigarette. The two men walked around outside Intel, and Brokaw said Tim had found out that Amber cheated with 17-year old neighbor and Tim was distraught.
Part of the conversation was Jones asking for a place to stay while he figured some things out. Brokaw said Jones would have to sleep on the couch; the kids were staying with grandparents out of state. Brokaw was concerned to bring girlfriend to apartment because he didn’t want girlfriend thinking Tim was a good friend because of Tim’s religious views.
Brokaw said that some conversations were about Tim’s frustration about the situation, and his concern for kids. Jones allegedly told Brokaw that he felt that Amber was not the best role model (because of affair), but Tim never expressed rage about Amber.
Brokaw said that Tim said he might be acting funny because he just had a vasectomy to stop having kids and that he was on drugs.
According to Brokaw, the last straw before Tim was asked to move out happened like this: Tim went out drinking downtown and came back and threw up against the wall of Brokaw’s apartment and didn’t clean it up, Browkaw asked him to leave and Tim seemed to understand. Tim offered to take Brokaw out to eat — at Wendy’s (Tim always concerned with money). At Wendy’s, after the two men sat down and began eating, three girls walk in and Tim says something to them, and then barks at the gilrs form across the restaurant. Tim didn’t seem embarrassed, Brokaw was. Brokaw says the went to a strictly working relationship only after that.
Secor asked Brokaw if Tim ever said he heard voices, that his kids were out to get him, or about his mother’s mental issues. Brokaw said no to all.
On cross-examination by Deputy solicitor Shawn Graham, Brokaw testified that he worked with Tim until he didn’t show up for work in 2014, in the same building, but not on the same team.
Jones lived with Brokaw about 2 weeks, just a place to stay while looking for a place.
Jones’ religious views were conservative, but he wasn’t trying to convert people at work
Other than those 2 weeks, only ran into Jones at Walmart once after work and Jones initiated meet between Brokaw and Jones’ wife and kids.
Engineers are different in the way they think from other people; the way Tim interacted with people was not unusual
As far as Brokaw knew, there were no incidents that would cause a write-up in Jones’ job at Intel — no losing of emotions, signs of mental instabilit. According to Brokaw, “Tim didn’t lose it, never in Tim’s behavior was there anything to cause alarm. “
Secor next calls Bryce Mankowski, who worked on a team with Jones at Intel until Aug. 28.
Mankowski knew Jones had a wife and 5 children but not much else, not where he lived,.
Mankowski didn’t socialize with Tim after work.
According to Mankowski, Jones never talked about family, never heard voices, was not scared of his children.
At Intel, Jones had no hard time talking to anyone. He was very unique as engineer as he would talk to people about work-related stuff, nothing personal.
Before the Aug. 28 incident, Tim was always at Intel before Mankowski and left earlier to take care of kids. Over next couple of months, what began as Jones’ occasional tardiness became unexplained absences. Somedays he’d just go missing for a day, then multiple days, a progression of erratic behavior. Days missed by Tim were counted as sick leave.
“You could never convince Tim of anything,” said Mankowski. “It was hard for Tim to connect dots in rational manner, he’d find a way (irrationally) to get something done.
“Tim was never mean about his positions, just stubborn, he always debated.”
On cross-examination by Mayes: As an engineer, you debate, have positions on something not everyone believes in…
Mankowski: It was usually about work related or financial things with Tim. He didn’t discuss religion at work.
Jones was known for being cheap around Intel…
Mankowski: Jones was interested in medical school and the stock market. He could have a conversation with anyone about anything.
Next, Secor calls Todd Schelling, team lead for Tim’s team at Intel. Schelling states that the Columbia group was tight knit, they worked close together. He had heard about Tim during Tim’s interview, everyone liked him, Tim talked a lot, joked, and was easy to get along with.
When Schelling learned more about Jones’ background — Jones had been in the Navy, was older, had 4 kids at the time, not a normal example of someone hired straight out of school, closer to 30, and that Tim was first person to get college degree — Schelling was impressed and respected Tim.
Schelling testified that Intel was a large company and Columbia was a remote office. Each year there was some nervousness about their keeping jobs. Employees needed to excel and work as a large team, pulling together smaller teams into one.
Schelling testified Intel had meritocracy and that raises and promotions were given by how much you contribute to the company— the culture ensured you performed, compared how you did your job against others doing same job. Schelling said they system worked well by asking people to excel. Employees knew how it worked.
Schelling’s closest friends are people met through work at Intel; not unusual to be friendly with people hired at same time or same age or same stage in life.
Schelling didn’t know much about Tim — never met Amber or kids, didn’t know where Tim lived.
According to Schelling, Tims seemed excited about learning, it was easy to work with Tim.
Jones cared about doing a good job — more consistent early on. After the divorce from Amber, and coping as a single dad with five children, Schelling assumed Jones needed time and space that maybe everyone else didn’t need.
In summer 2014, Jones’ demeanor changed a bit; during a constructive confrontation (way to challenge the way people think) session, Tim went over the top, it was the only time it wasn’t easy to work with Jones.
Schelling talked to Tim about work, asked about divorce, custody battle, Tim was very distraught and visibly shaken, seemed concerned about kids
He felt he would be a better parent and fought hard for better upbringing for the kids; Schelling was surprised Jones could function at work, considering what he was going through at home.
After separation kids went to live with grandparents in Mississippi Tim made drives to and fro to see kids and kept up at work
Intel can be stressful, Schelling thought stress was so much he himself had to discuss taking a break on the job; hard for Schelling because of competitive atmosphere; but Schelling had a private and discreet talk with his manager.
Schelling testified that Jones considered leaving Intel and SC, the subject came up in a team meeting. Tim said he had no support, no family; Schelling tried to talk him out of quitting that his job at Intel gave him economic gateway to care for his children. Schellingtestified that if he had known Jones was struggling that much, may have said something different to him.
Summer 2014, months leading up to killing, Tim’s work degraded — he was absent more, seemed to sweat more, not at team meetings, there were discussions about work performance. Schelling believed it was because of the stress of raising five children alone.
Jones’ demeanor changed, became a little more aggressive on one occasion but not out of character, Schelling never suspected him to be on drugs.
About Jones’ arrest, Schelling said that everyone at Intel was in shock. They knew Jones was missing, but it was unbelievable, nothing anyone thought he was capable of doing. From Schelling’s perspective, it tears him up that whatever help that may have helped Tim was not there and that he let Jones down.
Tim never said he heard voices, scared of his children, not that mother was institutionalized or family had history of mental illness
Mayes on cross-examination: Your utter shock and disbelief is that Tim ended up in this situation. He had a lot of potential at Intel soon after hiring process in 2011
Up until summer 2014, during the three years prior, Schelling was team leader. The Intel job is about problem solving — Tim could interact, control his emotions, and Schelling never saw any indication of anger or violence. Jones was agitated by divorce but not angered; he was easy to work with, happy and popular; a very good performer.
During the summer of 2014, Schelling said Tim became agitated, sweated across his brow. Schelling sat close to Tim and on occasion Jones smelled like smoke (Jones did not disclose he was smoking Spice).
According to Schelling , there was no incident where he had to contact management about Jones harassing coworkers. Then Jones didn’t show up for work Sept 3.
The team’s manager at Intel, Joim McConnell told the team that Jones was more than just missing… people were looking for Tim.
Schelling said there was no indication of mental illness.
Secor on re-direct had Schelling say that the team never suspected Tim was on drugs.
Secor next calls Jaiment Aneja who worked with Tim at Intel while he was there and reported to same manager.
Aneja knew Jones had family, but never met them.
He testified that Jones never said he was afraid of his kids, heard voices, to that his mother was institutionalized.
Aneja went out with Jones one weekend and got drunk. Jones told him about divorce — Jones felt insulted with who Amber cheated with (a 17-year-old neighbor) while Tim had done so much in his life,
Tim moved in with Aneja for a short period of time in summer 2012, the kids were in Mississippi with his parents. Their boss, McConnell, had told Tim that Aneja had an extra bedroom and Aneja wasn’t happy about it — but Jones needed help.
Aneja had mild discomfort with the situation, but couldn’t put finger on why. After Jones moved in, Jones ate by himself, made food by himself. Aneja had a computer that had Facebook, but Jones was paranoid about Facebook tracking his every move, Aneja said that Jones was, “very tinfoil hat — out there.”
Jones hung out only once or twice during period he stayed with Aneja. During that time, Jones talked about seeing his children. He would drive straight from work to Mississippi and be back at work in Columbia on Monday.
Aneja testified that Jones was devoted to the children, really loved them and missed them during the week — he never complained about being a father.
Aneja said that he cannot reconcile the Tim before and the Tim after the killings.
Solicitor Hubbard on cross: Tim lived with you, interacted on team; you were initially apprehensive about moving in…
Aneja testified that Tim seemed antisocial.
Tim was a little younger, wanted to see kids on weekend, had no time to go out; had work and kids…
Aneja: Tim was proud to be the first in family to graduate and was insulted Amber cheated on whim with a kid. Tim new how to be social how to interact but let (Aneja) be.
>>>>>>>>>>>>> THE CHARGES
Jones has admitted to killing his children — Abigail Elaine, 1; Gabriel, 2; Nahtahn, 6; Elias, 7; and Mera Gracie, 8 — on Aug. 28, 2014, after picking them up from school and daycare. The killings took place at the family home at 2155-B South Lake Dr. in Red Bank.
He was arrested on Sept. 6, 2014, after a traffic safety stop in Smith County, Mississippi, during which law enforcement officers discovered blood and handwritten notes on how to mutilate bodies in Jones’ car. Jones had left the children’s bodies in plastic trash bags in a wooded area outside of Camden, Alabama. He had been traveling throughout the South with the bodies in the back of his car since Aug. 28.
Jones has pled guilty by reason of insanity. His guilty plea would allow one of four possible outcomes in the trial: guilty, guilty by reason of insanity, not guilty by mental defect, or not guilty.
If found guilty, the death penalty would not be automatic. Jurors would then be asked to consider extenuating circumstances and could sentence Jones to life without parole rather than death.
Witness testimony will resume Wednesday morning.