Ryan Widmer - Bathtub Murder Trial of Bride of 4 Months, Sarah Widmer

Documents in Widmer detective’s file likely not altered, state report says

10:02 AM Monday, January 3, 2011

HAMILTON TWP. — State investigators have determined the alleged fraudulent documents found in the personnel file of the lead detective in the Ryan Widmer case likely weren’t tampered with.

In a brief report, forensic scientist Rebecca Barrett of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation noted she inspected the personnel files of Hamilton Twp. Lt. Jeff Braley and compared them to his confirmed signature.

“Instrumental analysis of the documents in item one (an application and a resume letter) did not reveal evidence of an alteration or the presence of more than one ink pen to fill in the application. A lack of evidence does not prove that only one ink pen was used or that no alterations could have occurred, only that there is no evidence of an alteration,” she wrote in the report.



Read more:
http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/crime/documents-in-widmer-detectives-file-likely-not-altered-state-report-says-1044421.html

Lab: No evidence Widmer detective's personnel file altered

OH Courts Cincinnati.Com » OH Courts
Updated: 2:09 pm | January 3, 2011


Det. Lt. Jeff Braley - Proven to be a fraud





A handwriting expert’s analysis of two documents could have big implications for the Ryan Widmer murder case as it heads to trial for a third time later this month.



In a report released Monday, Ohio crime lab forensic scientist Rebecca Barrett says she examined two documents from the personnel file of Hamilton Township Police Lt. Jeff Braley, who headed the investigation into the 2008 bathtub drowning of Widmer’s wife, Sarah, 24.

The personnel documents contain false statements about Braley’s work history and credentials, but Braley denied making the misrepresentations, implying that someone else must have committed forgery.

But when Barrett compared the two disputed documents with a writing sample known to have come from Braley, she concluded that the same person wrote on all three documents – and found no evidence that anyone forged the writing on them.

One of the documents, a handwritten, fill-in-the-blanks job application dated 1996, asserts Braley earned a master’s degree from two universities. Both universities later wrote letters saying Braley never attended.

Another false claim indicates Braley worked as a postal inspector. Actually, he had worked for the U.S. Postal Service only as a part-time clerk, and for a shorter period than the document indicates.

Read more:

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20110103/NEWS010702/301030043/

Estee wrote:Read somewhere...I think on our "News" page the other day that some big time attorney has offerred his services "pro bono" for the up-coming re-trial....Maybe Ryan will get some satisfaction at last...

Yes, Estee. He's the son of the attorney that represented Ryan in the his first trial, Charles M. Rittgers.

Widmer is indigent, says attorney volunteering to defend accused killer

Updated 8:49 AM Wednesday, December 29, 2010

LEBANON — An attorney volunteering his time to help defend Ryan Widmer in his third trial says his client is indigent.

Charles M. Rittgers will help represent Widmer in the bathtub drowning trial on a volunteer basis. Rittgers, the son of Charles H. Rittgers, who represented Widmer in his first trial, offered his services pro bono to the defense team of Jay Clark and Lindsey Gutierrez.

In an affidavit filed Tuesday in Warren County Common Pleas Court, the younger Rittgers said it was his understanding that Widmer is indigent.

http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/crime/widmer-is-indigent-says-attorney-volunteering-to-defend-accused-killer-1040175.html

Attorney Joins Widmer Defense Team For Free

Rittgers Son Of Widmer's First Attorney

POSTED: 4:04 pm EST December 28, 2010

~Snipped~

Prosecutors said Widmer has failed to show that he is indigent, and they also argued that defendants are entitled only a competent expert at the state's expense, but not any expert they choose.

Rittgers signed an affidavit stating that conversations with his father and Widmer's current counsel have convinced him that his client is indigent.

Widmer's attorneys, Jay Clark and Lindsey Gutierrez, said their client has spent almost $500,000 on his defense, and family and friends are unable to assist him any more.

They have asked Judge Neal Bronson to allow the state to pay about $50,000 to pay five expert witnesses who testified in the two previous trials: Dr. Werner Spitz, Dr. Michael Balko, Dr. David Smile, Dr. Chandler Phillips and Dr. Arthur Hughes.

Read more: http://www.wlwt.com/news/26302499/detail.html

Mystery witness in Widmer case to be discussed

Updated 11:19 AM Friday, January 7, 2011

LEBANON — A different judge will determine if prosecutors properly shielded a witness who says Ryan Widmer confessed to drowning his wife.

Warren County Common Pleas Judge James Flannery will listen to arguments Tuesday at the defense’s request, to determine whether prosecutors properly withheld the name of the mystery witness.

~Snipped~
According to the new rules, if Flannery deems it was proper for the prosecutors to shield the witness, the defense will learn the witness’ identity just prior to the start of trial. If Flannery finds the prosecutors should not have hidden the person, there are any number of sanctions, including continuing the trial to give the defense more time to prepare.

Read more:
http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/crime/mystery-witness-in-widmer-case-to-be-discussed-1048151.html

This should be interesting, I'm looking forward to Tuesday's findings.

New judge to decide on Widmer witness

January 11, 2011

LEBANON - A different judge - James Flannery - will decide whether to force prosecutors to reveal the identity of a mystery witness in the Ryan Widmer murder case.

Prosecutors say they also have supporting evidence that they are trying to keep from the defense.

A court record filed Tuesday morning says the matter has been assigned to Flannery, and that prosecutors are withholding "additional witnesses and evidence that would corroborate the testimony of the witness identified only as Witness Doe 1."

That evidence includes "recorded interviews, records, documents and other items," the document says, and disclosure of those items would "identify and compromise the safety of Witness Doe 1."


Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20110111/NEWS01/301110083/

Defense: Exclude Calls Made By Widmer From Prison
Judge To Rule On Prosecution's Mystery Witness

POSTED: 5:38 pm EST January 11, 2011
UPDATED: 6:29 pm EST January 11, 2011

LEBANON, Ohio -- Defense attorneys have asked a judge to bar hundreds of phone calls made by Ryan Widmer from prison.

The 30-year-old Widmer is scheduled to stand trial for a third time Jan. 18 for murder in the 2008 drowning death of his wife, Sarah Widmer.

He was convicted of murder in April 2009 and sentenced to 15 years to life in prison before Judge Neal Broson overturned that verdict due to juror misconduct. He remained jailed until September 2009, when he was released on bond.

A second jury was unable to reach a verdict in June 2010, and Widmer remains free on bond.

Attorneys met Tuesday afternoon in a closed-door with Judge James Flannery to discuss a mystery witness for the prosecution.

Defense attorneys have argued that prosecutors improperly withheld the name of that witness, who prosecutors claim will testify that Widmer admitted to killing his wife and described a motive.

"(The) state did not abuse its discretion in certifying to the court that it was not disclosing certain material including a witness in the case," prosecutors argued.

They also hinted in a motion filed Tuesday that they may have evidence to back the mystery witness' statement.

View video and read more:
http://www.wlwt.com/news/26455411/detail.html

New judge deciding on Widmer witness

Updated: 5:40 pm | January 11, 2011

LEBANON - A Warren County judge will file a written decision by 10 a.m. Wednesday about whether the identity of a mystery witness in the Ryan Widmer murder case will be revealed before trial, court officials said.


The witness claims to have heard Widmer confess to killing his wife. Sarah Widmer drowned in the bathtub of the couple’s Hamilton Township home in 2008.

Two trials since then have ended as mistrials. Widmer’s third trial is set to begin Tuesday.

Warren County Common Pleas Judge James Flannery held an hour-long, closed-door hearing with prosecutors and defense lawyers Tuesday afternoon about the witness. Prosecutors are trying to keep the witness’ name and supporting evidence secret, alleging that disclosure would endanger the witness.

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110111/NEWS01/301110083/New-judge-s-call-on-Widmer-witness

Widmer lawyers want to grill detective

Updated: 7:50 pm | January 11, 2011

LEBANON - Defense lawyers want a judge to let them grill Lt. Jeff Braley, the lead detective In the Ryan Widmer murder case, about inaccurate statements contained in his personnel file.


In a motion filed Tuesday, Widmer's lawyers are asking Warren County Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson to allow them to cross-examine Braley about statements indicating that Braley holds a master's degree - which he doesn't - as well as other aspects of his education and employment history.

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110111/NEWS010702/101120331/Widmer-lawyers-want-to-grill-detective?GID=36LT/GiC1p3SroZKgvOBNR4+UXKF3UWtr8di6YxKhfs%3D

Potential jurors want out of Widmer case

Posted: 01/11/2011
Last Updated: 7 hours and 39 minutes ago


LEBANON, Ohio - Fifty eight out of the 200 potential jurors for Ryan Widmer's third trial came to a Warren County courtroom Tuesday to tell Judge Neal Bronson why they can't be on the jury.

The judge excused all but eight of them.

Widmer's third trial is scheduled to begin next week. He's accused of murdering his wife Sarah in their Hamilton Township home in August 2008.

Five potential jurors were brought into the courtroom at a time to explain why being on the jury would be a hardship. Their excuses included medical problems, loss of income, child care issues and ill family members.

The guilty verdict from Widmer's first trial was thrown out because of juror misconduct. The second trial ended with a hung jury.

Bronson rejected excuses he considered "corporate" and not personal hardship. The jurors whose excuses were denied must return next week for jury selection.

Read more:
http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/region_north_cincinnati/lebanon/potential-jurors-want-out-of-widmer-case_5847185

Mystery Witness In Widmer Trial To Remain Mystery
Affidavit: Widmer Threatened Witness

POSTED: 10:17 am EST January 12, 2011
UPDATED: 10:54 am EST January 12, 2011


LEBANON, Ohio -- A Warren County judge ruled that prosecutors in the Ryan Widmer trial do not need to reveal the identity of their mystery witness is until the trial starts.

Judge James Flannery issued the ruling Wednesday morning after a closed-door hearing Tuesday afternoon.

The defense argued that prosecutors had improperly withheld the name of the witness, who prosecutors claim will testify that Widmer admitted to killing his wife and described a motive.

In issuing the ruling, Flannery indicated that the witness claims to have been threatened by Widmer over the testimony.

"The witness produced an affidavit indicating that he or she possessed information that potentially inculpated the defendant in the commission of his wife's death. The witness in his or her affidavit then indicated that the defendant directly made an implied threat to the witnesses' safety if any of these statements were repeated," the ruling said.

Read more:
http://www.wlwt.com/news/26464886/detail.html

Widmer Jury Will Not Be Sequestered

3rd Trial Begins On Tuesday

By 700 WLW
Saturday, January 15, 2011

Jurors in Ryan Widmer's upcoming 3rd murder trial will not be sequestered. Judge Neal Bronson says he has faith that they can follow instructions and avoid any outside influences or distractions. The prosecution had asked the judge to restrict the jurors movements to the courthouse and to their hotel. The 30 year old Widmer is accused of drowning his wife Sarah in their bathtub in 2008. Two previous trials ended in mistrials, one because of jury misconduct. His 3rd trial is scheduled to begin on Tuesday.

http://www.700wlw.com/cc-common/news/sections/newsarticle.html?feed=119585&article=8050530

Prosecutors don't want Braley documents brought up during Widmer trial

Posted: Jan 14, 2011 2:35 PM EST
Updated: Jan 14, 2011 2:35 PM EST

LEBANON, OH (FOX19) - Warren County prosecutors filed a motion Friday asking Judge Neal Bronson to not allow defense attorneys to bring up documents involving lead investigator Jeff Braley during the third trial for Ryan Widmer.

Widmer is facing trial for a third time for the death of his wife, Sarah. A conviction in his first trial was overturned and his second trial ended in a hung jury.

Braley, the lead investigator in the case, is accused of falsifying his application for Hamilton Township Police, lying about his education and previous work experience. He claimed his application was altered; however, findings from the Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation determined the application was not tampered with.


Read more:
http://www.wxix.com/Global/story.asp?S=13845553

This Widmer trial is 'different ballgame'

January 15, 2011

LEBANON - The third murder trial of Ryan Widmer in the bathtub-drowning of his wife of four months will differ significantly from his two previous trials.

"The third trial will be a different ballgame," says Mark Krumbein, a seasoned Cincinnati defense lawyer who has some experience as a prosecutor. "Already, this case is so different from other murder cases in so many ways."

Experts say it's rare for two mistrials to be declared in the same murder case.

Two big factors are game-changers for Warren County prosecutors and for Widmer, 30, of Mason, as his three-week trial starts Tuesday:




Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110115/NEWS010702/101160309/This-Widmer-trial-is-different-ballgame-

Social media fans interest in Widmer trial

Updated: 8:14 am | January 16, 2011


LEBANON - An Internet search for the words "Ryan Widmer" and "murder" yields about 16,000 results on Google.com.


A website started by Ryan Widmer supporters - freeryanwidmer.com - has logged about 68,000 visitors - some from as far away as Germany, Japan and China.

At a November conference in Las Vegas, a pair of lawyers - one from Florida, the other from California - approached Cincinnati lawyer Mark Krumbein, asking him about "the bathtub case."

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110116/NEWS010702/101170316/Social-media-fans-Widmer-hoopla

Janice Morse: Enquirer Reporter (03:47)
Cincinnati Enquirer Janice Morse has covered every aspect of the Ryan Widmer case. She explains the case's history and what to look for in the third trial.

The third murder trial starts tomorrow. I don't know if I posted this before, it's the official document filed by the State of Ohio on 7/21/10 against Widmer's acquittal. It explains the timeline and why the prosecution insists on going through a third trial.

http://www.enquirer.com/editions/2010/07/21/Widmer_States%20Memorandum%20in%20Opposition%2021-July-2010.pdf

Picking a Widmer jury could be difficult

By Janice Morse • jmorse@enquirer.com • January 17, 2011


LEBANON - In a normal trial, picking a jury is a low-key, sleepy affair.

After two mistrials, Ryan Widmer's third murder trial for the 2008 bathtub drowning of his wife is not a normal trial.

Here are some things that could happen Tuesday as jury selection begins in Warren County Common Pleas Court:

• A tale of two trials
• Timeline of case
• Photo retrospective
• Complete Widmer coverage

The trial could come to a screeching halt if Widmer's attorneys ask for and are granted time to prepare for questioning the mystery witness prosecutors have been shielding since July.

The jury pool might run dry quickly and more jurors will have to be summoned.

So many people may be so eager to serve on the high-profile trial that lawyers on both sides will have to weed out those with an agenda.

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110117/NEWS010702/101180311/Picking-Widmer-jury-could-be-difficult

Jurors' questionnaires detailed
Lawyers on both sides put together an 18-page questionnaire for potential jurors in the Ryan Widmer murder trial.

The document, sent in late December, warns recipients: "You are no longer permitted to read about, research, watch news accounts of, or discuss the case with any other person...Do not discuss either the questions or your answers with anyone."

Besides basic information, potential jurors also were asked whether they know anyone connected to the case, including Widmer's relatives, friends or previous jurors.

Among the other questions:

• Do you watch the television show CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, NCIS, Law & Order or other similar shows about law enforcement or the criminal justice system? If so, please describe.

• How frequently do you watch television news?...what channels do you watch?

• Do you get any news from the Internet? If so, which Internet sites do you use?

• Have you followed any media reports, press coverage, blogs or Internet commentary concerning any murder cases in the local area? If so, please describe.

• Have you heard of Ryan Widmer or the case of the State of Ohio v. Ryan Widmer?

• What was the source of the information you have read, seen or heard about Ryan Widmer or the case?

• What do you remember hearing, seeing or reading about Ryan Widmer or the case? What kinds of things have you heard other people say about Ryan Widmer or the case?

Widmer defense asks for delay

OH Courts Cincinnati.Com » OH Courts
Updated: 9:27 am | January 18, 2011

Ryan Widmer's lawyers have filed a document asking Judge Neal Bronson to delay their client's third murder trial for seven days.


The lawyers want more time to dig into the background of the witness whose identity prosecutors have shielded since July.

Court records do not reveal whether the name has been disclosed to Widmer's lawyers.

Widmer's lawyers also filed a document putting the court on notice that they intend to bring to light any criminal conviction the person might have, even if it is a decade old or more.

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110118/NEWS010702/301180021/Widmer-defense-asks-for-delay-

Mystery Widmer witness to be revealed

Updated: 9:51 am | January 18, 2011

Warren County Judge Neal Bronson has convened court in the Ryan Widmer case and said that the identity of the mystery prosecution witness would be revealed today.

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110118/NEWS010702/301180021/Widmer-defense-asks-for-delay-

Live blog from the courtroom:

http://livewire.wlwt.com/Event/Ryan_Widmer_Trial_3_Jury_Selection_Day_1

Continuance was denied by the judge. Mystery witness will be revealed today because they have to ask jurors if they know this person.

"We probably are not going to learn the witness name today. They are not going to use the name during voir dire, but refer to them more obliquely." Per Travis Gettys at the courthouse........

Continuance until Monday has been granted to the defense. On with the jury selection. It's interesting to read the comments that Travis is posting in regards to the prospective jurors.

The question they will ask the prospective jurors will more than likely be 'do you know Ryan or anyone he knows or has known'....That should cover it...

I don't think I agree with this new law in regards to either side holding a secret witness up until the time of jury selection. It seems unconstitutional to me. I am aware of 2 other cases it has been used in the Cincinnati area. Potential witnesses were murdered, therefore remaining witnesses feared for their lives and wouldn't show up at trial to testify. I'm very anxious to know who this secret witness is.

Piper, Travis is doing a good job of keeping us informed-love the names he is giving the prospective jurors. Thanks for posting the link to the live chat.

I don't like this secret witness thing either but I guess can understand why there is a need to do that.

Hi Sherry! I have been following this case since Aug. 11, 2008, when Sarah died. It's been a roller coaster, her family supported him from the start, but that changed. I am still trying to figure it out for myself. I don't have an opinion, cause I just don't know. I just don't see a motive for Ryan murdering her....but you never know what goes on behind closed doors.

They will start again at 9am tomorrow morning continuing jury selection, and Travis will be there...blogging live from the courtroom!

It is a bit confusing~

I just hope justice is done. I'm not convinced of Ryan's guilt as of yet. I didn't see the other trials so following this one will be interesting.

Live blog from the courtroom today with Travis:

http://livewire.wlwt.com/Event/Ryan_Widmer_Trial_3_Jury_Selection_Day_2

The way the jury questioning is going this morning, it sounds as if the secret witness is possibly someone that became obsessed with Ryan, a female. That's not confirmed.

Questions such as: "Clark asks if they've had a relationship with someone who perceived the relationship differently than them. Like an unreciprocated love, for example."

Ryan in court this morning:

They are also asking jurors if they've had a family member with a drug addiction and if they've ever been held under water.

Wow, secret mystery witness to testify right off the bat!

"Ohbytheway. According to a subpoena issued this morning for one Jane (!) Doe, the mystery witness is scheduled to testify Monday, Jan. 24. That's the trial's first day.
by Travis Gettys at 1:07 PM"

Attorneys keep asking the jurors if they know anyone from Iowa.

Also, asking the female jurors about French manicures. Sarah had a French manicure on fingers/toes and all were intact when she died.

Cell phone records have been subpoened from the date of when this story was aired on Dateline through June 17, 2010. Not confirmed it is Ryan's records.

The line of questioning suggests: Jane Doe, possibly from Iowa, with a possible past drug conviction and/or addiction, pursued Ryan after Dateline aired and she was eventually scorned.

The above is only my opinion based on the line of questions that are being asked.....

Attorney just asked potential juror if he has any family or friends who worked at a strip club in Iowa. Interesting.......

Jury seated in Widmer murder retrial

Janice Morse • jmorse@enquirer.com • January 19, 2011

Cincinnati.Com » Local news
Updated: 8:05 pm | January 19, 2011

LEBANON - A jury was seated with relative ease in the murder retrial of Ryan Widmer on Wednesday, but the process was overshadowed by tantalizing hints about the identity of a “mystery” witness.

The prosecution witness, revealed just Tuesday to Widmer’s attorneys, has not been identified publicly. The witness allegedly heard Widmer confess to killing his wife.



Defense attorneys (from left) Lindsey Gutierrez, Jay Clark and Charlie M. Rittgers talk with Ryan Widmer during the second day of jury selection in his murder retrial.

Read more:
http://news.cincinnati.com/article/AB/20110119/NEWS01/301190039/Jury-seated-in-Widmer-retrial

Judge Neal Bronson listens to Widmer's defense team ask questions of potential jurors.

The Widmer jury

The jury that will be deciding Ryan Widmer’s fate is made up of six men and six women, all white except for one black woman who has friends in two realms of the criminal justice spectrum: a police officer and a public defender.

Most are middle-aged, but they appear to range from their late 20s to early 70s.

Professions range from a special education teacher to a retired vice president of a large insurance company.

Prosecution asks court to block jury viewing of bathtub scene

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer 3:45 PM Thursday, January 20, 2011

LEBANON — Prosecutors in the Ryan Widmer bathtub drowning trial don’t want the jury to view the scene of the alleged crime in Warren County.

The defense has asked Judge Neal Bronson to let the jury see the scene where Widmer, 30, allegedly drowned his bride Sarah Widmer in August 2008.

The defense said on Tuesday they received permission from the new owners of the Widmer home on Crested Owl Court in Hamilton Twp. to conduct a jury view of the drowning scene.

First Assistant Prosecutor John Arnold said in his motion that since there is a new bathtub in the bathroom and the new owners have likely redecorated, it would be unfair to show jurors a scene that doesn’t mirror the image of the house as it was the night Sarah Widmer died.

Read more: http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/crime/prosecution-asks-court-to-block-jury-viewing-of-bathtub-scene-1059548.html

Widmer trial postponed; Jury to view scene of drowning death

The trial will start Wednesday, Jan. 26 instead of Monday to give defense more time to prepare for the mystery witness.

The jury will tour the house. One reporter and one photographer will be chosen to tour the house after the jury leaves. It's my understanding that the new home owners agreed to a tour as long as shoe covers were provided for everyone.

The judge denied two other defense motions. The defense wanted to use Lt. Jeff Braley’s personnel file — which includes false information about his education and past work experience — to discredit him. Bronson said “no.”

Bronson also denied the defense team’s motion to exclude testimony of Dr. Jeffrey Lee. The defense claimed it would be unfair for the state to have two experts — Lee and county Coroner Dr. Russell Uptegrove — testify about the autopsy results.

Read more:
http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/crime/widmer-trial-postponed-jury-to-view-scene-of-drowning-death-1060519.html

Piper wrote:The bathtub sitting close to the jury box...

Bumping up picture of bathtub from 2nd trial

This might seem stupid on my part, but I don't see where a tour of the house would be significant especially since the tub is no longer there...

I have to also wonder what good it will do. They have pictures from the scene. I would think it would cause confusion. Because it's been said the new tub is obviously different and the faucet is in a different place than the original one.

A look ahead to Widmer's third trial

Posted: 11:52 AM 1/25/11
Last Updated: 24 minutes ago

LEBANON, Ohio - Ryan Widmer's third trial resumes Wednesday when the jury returns to Judge Neal Bronson's courtroom. The jury of six men and six women was selected on Jan. 19.

The gap between jury selection and this next stage of the trial gave Judge Bronson time to make final decisions on motions that determined how the trial will move forward. It also gave the defense time to investigate the background of the mystery witness for the prosecution. The mystery witness known only as "Jane Doe" on court documents is expected to testify that Widmer confessed to murdering his wife Sarah.

Legal experts following the case said the mystery witness' testimony could force Widmer, 30, to take the stand for the first time. He did not testify in his first two trials.

Jurors are expected to tour the Widmer home Wednesday morning then hear opening statements. It's too early to know if there will be time to call any witnesses to testify the same day.

Jurors are scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m. Wednesday




Widmer bathroom




Widmer home


Read more:
http://www.kypost.com/dpps/news/tri-state_news/A-look-ahead-to-Widmer%27s-third-trial_5959028