Jeanna's Testimony

Court was called to order at 9:12 am on January 8, 2010 in front of Judge Timothy DeGuisti.

Lance was represented by his attorney Derrick Burch (who smiled and winked at me), and his associate Joe White did most of the questioning.

Raye was represented by her attorney Steven Jones and his associate attorneys.

The first witness was Jeanna Fowler, Lance’s sister, and cousin by marriage to Raye Dawn. Lance’s counsel started by asking questions about Jeanna’s relationship to Lance and to Raye Dawn and Jeanna stated that she was three years older than Lance and talked about where she lived, and so on.

Jeanna brought up the fact that Lance wasn’t informed until Kelsey was four months old that he was a father. (This was something that was repeated throughout the day.)

Jeanna stated that her family had thrown a baby shower for Lance and she stressed the “months” of anxiety of Lance not knowing if he was a father or not.

Lance’s counsel showed pictures of Ashley in her wedding dress with Kelsey and pictures of Kelsey with Ashley and Lance.

Jeanna mentioned that Raye Dawn said that she was not pregnant when she divorced Lance. Jeanna went on and on about Kelsey’s paternity – stated that Lance didn’t know if she had a baby with another man while married to him.

Then Jeanna spoke of the “dream room” that Lance had created for Kelsey.
Lance’s counsel asked about Lance’s visitation with Kelsey and Jeanna spoke of how Lance pulled off Kelsey’s socks and counted her toes. She stated that Kelsey looked at Lance and locked eyes with him.

She kept referring to Lance as “Kelsey’s daddy” and stressed words, obviously rehearsed.

Jeanna stated that Ashley loved Kelsey as her own.

Lance’s attorney showed pictures of Kathie and Lance with Kelsey and pictures of Kelsey with her cousins.

Jeanna stated that they had a family event every time Lance had Kelsey and that Lance was attentive and loving.

One note I made was that some of her language was word-for-word from some of the posts on Topix.

Jeanna talked about Lance going to Iraq and the stress on the family because he was called.

Jeanna stated that Lance asked for his visitation to be given to Kathie.

Lance’s attorney phrased his testimonial (something he repeatedly did instead of questioning) as if Lance was in Iraq before January of 2005.

Jeanna spoke of January, 2005 and how Kelsey had on a brace and the Briggs were told she had fallen out of her crib with Raye.

Jeanna stated there were bruises on Kelsey’s face – she was fully clothed and at a party. All they could see were her hands and neck up.

Jeanna was asked if she had seen the bruises on Kelsey’s body and she stated that she saw the photos the following day.

Jeanna stated that Ashley saw the bruises while bathing Kelsey and they immediately called the police.

Jeanna stated the “bruises” were deemed to be child abuse under Raye Dawn’s care. (See my twisted facts post. That post is about the “bruises.”) My note: Pictures not what they show BRIGHT RED!!! Not black and blue!

Jeanna said Kelsey was always hurt and sometimes explanations from Raye and sometimes Raye denied it.

Lance’s counsel asked Jeanna about Kelsey’s broken legs and Jeanna said, “Heartbreaking to see this little baby - so small - to see casts on both legs.”
Jeanna stated that Kathie had taken Kelsey to a specialist to see if plate growth problem, but was deemed child abuse.

Jeanna was not at hearings, she stayed neutral because belonged to both families.
Jeanna saw Kelsey for the last time on August 23, 2005. Ashley was given 5 hours of visitation. Once she saw her it was heartbreaking.

Lance’s counsel showed pictures of Kelsey with Ashley with car accident bruises and the pictures of Kelsey pouting in the swing.

Jeanna stated that Kelsey had “terrible blood hemorrhages in her eyes” and that the “whites were bloody.”

When asked about the injuries from the car accident (my note: Jeanna got bitchy), she stated in a very bitchy voice, “Being a mother of a child, she wouldn’t have injuries on both sides of her face!”

Jeanna stated that the CASA worker was notified and that she researched the injuries and sent a letter to DHS.

Lance’s counsel asked Jeanna about Kelsey’s spirit. She stated, “She was not the same child. Not Kelsey. I went in the other room and cried…her spirit was gone.”
Lance’s counsel asked what Kelsey’s murder had done to her brother.

Jeanna stated that he was a “broken man” “doesn’t laugh” “tries to get through one day at a time.” Jeanna stated that they got him “through lunch” and “through dinner.” Jeanna then stated, “We don’t know how to fix him.”

Jeanna stated that Raye Dawn’s hatred for (I have in my notes her, but not 100% positive on that) caused Raye Dawn to hurt Kelsey.

My note: the judge finally intervened!

The questioning was redirected.

Jeanna stated, “Lance doesn’t think he’s going to live to be very old and he doesn’t want to because he can see Kelsey faster.”

Jeanna then talked about how Lance is the only one without children at Christmas so they “strategically place Lance away from the kids.”

Jeanna then talked for a while about how they try to get Lance to smile. (My note: he was smiling and laughing all through Raye’s deposition.)

Jeanna stated that she had sent Lance a picture of her son and it took him hours to get him through the night that night.

My note: She stated earlier that they “strategically” keep him away from the children at holidays, but she sent him a picture of her son?

Mr. Jones cross-examined Jeanna

Jones asked Jeanna about when she saw Kelsey last and she said that the Briggs weren’t allowed to see her after June of 2005.

Jones pointed out the fact that Kathie didn’t want supervised visits and had given up her visits with Kelsey because of what DHS said about her.

Jeanna stated that she didn’t know about the visitation because she wasn’t at court.
Jeanna stated that she was told that Kathie’s visits were “taken out of context” by the DHS workers.

Jeanna was asked about the marriage of Raye Dawn and Lance. Jeanna knew about the date of their marriage, but not about their divorce.

Jones asked about Kelsey’s paternity. Jeanna stressed he was “excited” about the “prospect” of becoming a father. (The words that are quoted were stressed by Jeanna)

Jeanna stated that Lance wanted the results.

Jeanna then talked about Lance’s visitation.

Jones asked about the marriage of Lance and Ashley. Jeanna stated that Lance and Ashley had been together for a year and a half before he went out of state with the army.

Jeanna stated that before September, 2004 they made no complaints of abuse of Kelsey.
Jeanna talked about the January, 2005 appearance of injuries.

Jones stated that Raye had taken Kelsey to the clinic four days before the “bruises” appeared.

Jeanna stated that Kelsey was at the party and appeared to be happy and playing and only in pain when she moved a little.

Jeanna stated that Kelsey went to same hospital that Raye Dawn had taken her to four days earlier.

Jeanna stated that she couldn’t say what DHS said because she wasn’t at the hearings or in court.

Redirect by Lance’s counsel:

Lance’s counsel talked to Jeanna about Raye Dawn signing affidavit that Raye Dawn was not pregnant and lied.

Jones objected

The objection was sustained

Lance’s counsel stated that Raye Dawn had concealed her pregnancy

Jones objected

The objection was sustained

Jeanna was excused