GUILTY MN - Jeanne “Jeanie” Childs, 35, murdered, napkin DNA linked to Jerry Westrom, Minneapolis, 1993 *Arrest 2019

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Tuesday, August 16th:
*Trial begins (Day 1) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates. Opening statements begin on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-5) 8/8 to 8/12/22 reference post #79 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-4
8/15/22 Monday, Trial Day 6-Jury selection continues with voir dire. Jury selection in the case wrapped up Monday, as the court selected 15 jurors, three of which are alternates. Trial begins with opening statements on 8/16/22.
 
Wednesday, August 17th:
*Trial begins (Day 2) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates. Trial began on 8/16/22 with opening statements.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 reference post #82 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/16/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: Trial begins with opening statements on 8/16/22. No info available. Trial continues on 8/17/22.
 
1660738402136.png
www.startribune.com

Prosecutors say DNA, other evidence points to guilt in Minneapolis cold case murder trial

The defense claims an alternative perpetrator killed Jeanne Childs.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

''Westrom, 56, who is not in custody, was accompanied by his wife, Elizabeth Ann, and a dozen other supporters in the courtroom Tuesday. Testimony is expected to carry into next week before the jury will begin deliberations.

The businessman and hockey dad was arrested in 2019 after investigators tested his discarded hot dog napkin from a hockey game for DNA that matched a hit from a genealogy website.

His attorney, Steve Meshbesher, is trying to convince the jury that Arthur Gray is the killer, as Gray's hair was found in Childs' left hand and he had a history of abusing her. The apartment unit was leased to Gray, and Childs allegedly used the unit for prostitution.''

''Gray, who is now deceased, was Childs' boyfriend and alleged pimp. Meshbesher moved Judge Juan Hoyos to allow the jury to consider five alternate perpetrators, including Gray, but Hoyos ruled that only Gray can be presented as a potential suspect.''

"A long investigation revealed it was Jerry Westrom who left behind his bloody footprint and DNA that day," Radmer said. "It was he who murdered Jeanie Childs."

''Radmer said Westrom's DNA was found on the bed comforter, a towel and washcloth in the bathroom as well as a T-shirt on the bathroom sink that was riddled with Childs' blood. The analysis of four bloody footprints matched Westrom as well, he said.

"Forensic evidence shows us who did it," Radmer said as Westrom's wife shook her head in disagreement.''
 
The jury panel comprises 6 women and 9 men. They range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 4 in their 40s, and 4 that are 50 or older.

Prosecutors said JW’s footprint matched a bloody footprint found at the scene and his DNA was found on several items in the apartment, including a comforter and a towel in the bathroom.

JW’s attorney pointed the finger at another person — JAC’s pimp who lived in the apartment. Some of his hairs were found in her hand.

The defence wanted to introduce 5 alternate suspects into evidence. The judge allowed one but that man is now dead. Moreover, the prosecution called a friend of his to the stand who testified they were on an out-of-town motorcycle trip during the murder.

Four others took the stand Tuesday, one of whom was a security guard who was there when JAC’s body was discovered.

The judge expects the trial to go through the middle of next week.

Trial starts for Jerry Westrom, accused of Jeanie Ann Childs' 1993 murder - ABC17NEWS
 
Thursday, August 18th:
*Trial continues (Day 3) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates (6 women & 9 men; they range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 5 in their 40s & 4 that are 50 or older. Trial began on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 reference post #82 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/16/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 1: Trial begins with opening statements given by Prosecutor Michael Radmer & defense attorney Steve Meshbesher. Trial continues on 8/17/22.
For more info see post #85 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/17/22 Wednesday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: Betty Eakman, Jeanne's mother. Maurice Hampton, friend Arthur Gray (now deceased who the defense says killed Jeanne). Corey Busker, security guard & apt. caretaker where Jeanne lived. Retired Minneapolis police Sgt. Linda Riemenschneider.
For more info see post #85 (article) here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
Trial continues on 8/18/22. The judge told the jury he expects this trial to go through the middle of next week.
 
for Thursday, 8/18/22

www.startribune.com

In cold case murder trial, retired Minneapolis police sergeant recalls a harrowing crime scene

Jerry Westrom stands charged with first-degree murder in Jeanne Childs' killing.
www.startribune.com www.startribune.com

August 18, 2022
When a Minneapolis police sergeant entered the crime scene of a brutal murder in June 1993, he testified that he recognized a woman from a photo inside the low-income apartment unit.

"She looked familiar to me," now-retired Sgt. Robert Krebs said of Jeanne "Jeanie" Childs on Thursday in Hennepin County District Court. Krebs was one of several former law enforcement officials to testify this week in the cold case murder trial, with Isanti businessman Jerry Westrom accused of stabbing the 35-year-old woman to death.
[.....]
A forensic expert with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension testified Wednesday that Gray's DNA was excluded as being a contributor to the formerly unknown samples.

Rachel Klick, formerly with the BCA, said blood and semen were present on a towel and bed comforter that didn't belong to Gray. A condom left on the nightstand was tested for evidence but didn't come back with a DNA profile. She said some spermicides make it difficult to get DNA.

Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker, who did not perform the autopsy in 1993 but presented detailed notes to the jury, described the graphic photographs while testifying on Wednesday.
[.....]
Krebs and fellow retired MPD Sgt. David Palmer both testified Thursday that the kitchen appeared orderly, aside from some dirty dishes in the sink, and there was no blood in that area of the apartment.
[.....]
Former BCA bloodstain expert Barton Epstein shared with the jury the significant inventory of evidence collected from the crime scene. Prosecutor Darren Borg rolled into the courtroom the exhibits: bed comforter, bloodied pillow, bathroom towel, shower curtain, Childs' blue jeans and purple underwear.
 
Friday, August 19th:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates (6 women & 9 men; they range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 5 in their 40s & 4 that are 50 or older. Trial began on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 & Trial (Days 1-2) 8/16 to 8/17/22 reference post #88 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/18/22 Thursday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Now-retired Sgt. Robert Krebs. Rachel Klick, formerly with the BCA forensic. Chief Medical Examiner Andrew Baker, who did not perform the autopsy in 1993 but presented detailed notes to the jury, described the graphic photographs while testifying on Wednesday. Retired MPD Sgt. David Palmer. Former BCA bloodstain expert Barton Epstein. Prosecutor Darren Borg rolled into the courtroom the exhibits: bed comforter, bloodied pillow, bathroom towel, shower curtain, Childs' blue jeans & purple underwear.
For more info see post #89 (article) here:
Trial continues on [B]8/19/22[/B].... trial to go through the middle of next week.
 
Docket update:

08/16/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/16/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/17/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/17/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/18/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/18/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/19/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/19/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/19/2022 Jury Trial (1:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/19/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/22/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)

link: https://pa.courts.state.mn.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1626673940



Couldn't find any current articles on what happened on Friday the 19th.
 
No current articles on what happened on Friday - as far as I can find...

Monday, August 22nd:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates (6 women & 9 men; they range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 5 in their 40s & 4 that are 50 or older. Trial began on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 & Trial (Days 1-3) 8/16 to 8/18/22 reference post #90 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/19/22 Friday, Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Former BCA bloodstain expert Barton Epstein back on stand. (I believe!). No other info available.
Trial continues on Monday, 8/22/22. The judge told the jury he expects this trial to go through the middle of next week.
 
Tuesday, August 23rd:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates (6 women & 9 men; they range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 5 in their 40s & 4 that are 50 or older. Trial began on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 & Trial (Days 1-3) 8/16 to 8/18/22 reference post #90 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/19/22 Friday, Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Former BCA bloodstain expert Barton Epstein back on stand.
8/22/22 Monday, Trial Day 5: No info available.
Trial continues on 8/23/22. The judge told the jury he expects this trial to go through the middle of this week.
 
And again - no updated articles on what is going on with this case...

Wednesday, August 24th:
*Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates (6 women & 9 men; they range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 5 in their 40s & 4 that are 50 or older. Trial began on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 & Trial (Days 1-4) 8/16 to 8/19/22 reference post #94 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...to-1993-jeanne-ann-childs-killing-minneapolis
8/22/22 Monday, Trial Day 5: No info available. Trial continues on 8/23/22. The judge told the jury he expects this trial to go through the middle of this week.
8/23/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 6: No info available. Trial continues on 8/24/22.
 
JudgeJudi said:
The jury panel comprises 6 women and 9 men. They range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 4 in their 40s, and 4 that are 50 or older.

Prosecutors said JW’s footprint matched a bloody footprint found at the scene and his DNA was found on several items in the apartment, including a comforter and a towel in the bathroom.

JW’s attorney pointed the finger at another person — JAC’s pimp who lived in the apartment. Some of his hairs were found in her hand.

The defence wanted to introduce 5 alternate suspects into evidence. The judge allowed one but that man is now dead. Moreover, the prosecution called a friend of his to the stand who testified they were on an out-of-town motorcycle trip during the murder.

Four others took the stand Tuesday, one of whom was a security guard who was there when JAC’s body was discovered.

The judge expects the trial to go through the middle of next week.

Trial starts for Jerry Westrom, accused of Jeanie Ann Childs' 1993 murder - ABC17NEWS
Click to expand...

So far, we haven't been told all the evidence against the accused, but what we do know, seems like a rather thin connection to the murder. It will be interesting to see if more evidence is published.
 
Not finding any current articles...

Thursday, August 25th:
*Trial continues (Day 8) (@ 9am CT) – MN – Jeanne Anne “Jeanie” Childs (35) (June 13, 1993, Minneapolis) - *Jerry Arnold Westrom (27 @ time of crime/53/now 56) arrested (2/11/19) & charged (2/15/19) & arraigned (7/4/20) with 2nd degree murder with intent not premeditated. $1M bond w/no conditions; $500K w/conditions; bond reduced (3/13/19) to $250K w/conditions. Non-cash bond posted (7/17/20). Re-Charged & indicted (6/29/20) with 1st degree premeditated murder. $2M bond with no conditions/$500K with conditions. Non cash bond posted $250K (7/16/20).
DNA Match GEDMatch.
Trial began on 8/8/22 with jury selection & ended on 8/15/22 with 12 jurors & 3 alternates (6 women & 9 men; they range in age from 2 in their 20s, 5 in their 30s, 5 in their 40s & 4 that are 50 or older. Trial began on 8/16/22.
Case & court info from 2/15/29 thru 8/5/22 & Jury Selection (Day 1-6) 8/8 to 8/15/22 & Trial (Days 1-4) 8/16 to 8/19/22 reference post #94 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...killing-minneapolis-arrest-2019.425956/page-5
8/22/22 Monday, Trial Day 5: No info available. Trial continues on 8/23/22. The judge told the jury he expects this trial to go through the middle of this week.
8/23/22 Tuesday, Trial Day 6: Defense presented their opening statements. No other info available. Trial continues on 8/24/22.
8/24/22 Wednesday, Trial Day 7: No info available. Trial continues on 8/25/22.
 
Docket Update:

08/23/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/23/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/24/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)
Result: Held On the Record

08/24/2022 Hearing Held In-Person

08/25/2022 Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Hoyos, Juan)


link: https://pa.courts.state.mn.us/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=1626673940
 
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