Amir Jennings -- Missing 11/24/11

Amir Jennings Case



APNewsBreak: Missing SC boy’s mom wants case nixed

The Associated Press

Thursday, June 7, 2012 | 10 a.m.

A judge should throw out an indictment against the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler because prosecutors don't have enough evidence to prove their case and are only holding Zinah Jennings because she won't tell them where her son is, the woman's attorney said Thursday.

"You can't weigh the rights of a defendant against the rights of a missing child," Jennings' attorney, Hemphill Pride II, said in court. "The entire holding of Zinah Jennings in this case is a mere pretext."

Judge G. Thomas Cooper set a July trial date for Jennings, whose son, Amir, was 18 months old when he was last seen around Thanksgiving. Zinah Jennings' mother reported her missing several weeks later, telling police she thought her daughter and grandson were in Atlanta but that she was receiving evasive answers when she asked about Amir

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jun/07/us-sc-missing-boy/

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Amir Jennings Case



APNewsBreak: Missing SC boy’s mom wants case nixed

A judge should throw out an indictment against the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler because prosecutors don't have enough evidence to prove their case and are only holding Zinah Jennings because she won't tell them where her son is, the woman's attorney said Thursday.

"You can't weigh the rights of a defendant against the rights of a missing child," Jennings' attorney, Hemphill Pride II, said in court. "The entire holding of Zinah Jennings in this case is a mere pretext."

Judge G. Thomas Cooper set a July trial date for Jennings, whose son, Amir, was 18 months old when he was last seen around Thanksgiving. Zinah Jennings' mother reported her missing several weeks later, telling police she thought her daughter and grandson were in Atlanta but that she was receiving evasive answers when she asked about Amir

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jun/07/us-sc-missing-boy/

From Alessandra's link:
Cooper also ordered that Jennings be evaluated to see if she is competent to stand trial. She has already received one evaluation, which found that she has schizophrenia. Jennings was prescribed Risperdal, but Pride has said he fears that the drug is harmful to his client's unborn baby, due to be born in August.

I thought I was hearing things when I heard she was pregnant on IN SESSION, but your link stated the same. GEEZ Louise, I hate to read this. I wonder what is going to happen to this baby, her family couldn't protect Amir from her, this is upsetting.

Ales, thank you for the info re the Amir Jennings case.

We (now the former Hinksters) worked really hard in developing a timeline on this case. Then there was not much reported on it lately.

So glad that Zinah will go to trial. I think she will never tell where Amir can be found. Reminds me of Shakara Dickens case (Lauryn Dickens). Shakara has been convicted and she will never tell where Lauryn's remains can be found. Just my opinion!


Images - The Hinky Meter
Amir Jennings and Zinah Jennings


Oh, when I searched THM Images for the Jennings case, I found this avatar and the person commented on the Amir Jennings case. I think it belongs to Cubs Fan.

Alessandra_Deux wrote:Amir Jennings Case



APNewsBreak: Missing SC boy’s mom wants case nixed

The Associated Press

Thursday, June 7, 2012 | 10 a.m.

A judge should throw out an indictment against the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler because prosecutors don't have enough evidence to prove their case and are only holding Zinah Jennings because she won't tell them where her son is, the woman's attorney said Thursday.

"You can't weigh the rights of a defendant against the rights of a missing child," Jennings' attorney, Hemphill Pride II, said in court. "The entire holding of Zinah Jennings in this case is a mere pretext."

Judge G. Thomas Cooper set a July trial date for Jennings, whose son, Amir, was 18 months old when he was last seen around Thanksgiving. Zinah Jennings' mother reported her missing several weeks later, telling police she thought her daughter and grandson were in Atlanta but that she was receiving evasive answers when she asked about Amir

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jun/07/us-sc-missing-boy/

Mother of missing SC toddler indicted for neglect

Thursday, May 10, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A grand jury has indicted the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler in connection with his disappearance.

Richland County prosecutors said in a statement that a grand jury on Thursday indicted 23-year-old Zinah Jennings on a charge of unlawful neglect of a child. Jennings was arrested last December on a charge stemming from the disappearance of 18-month-old Amir Jennings.

At the time, authorities said they were desperately searching for Amir after his mother told them several inconsistent and false stories about the boy being with relatives and friends in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

The mother and son were reported missing in early December, but the mother turned up after she was involved in a car accident on Christmas Eve.

http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Mother_of_missing_SC_toddler_indicted_for_neglect_151025525.html


Mother of missing Columbia toddler indicted

Published: May 10, 2012


Amir Jennings

By R. Darren Price — dprice@thestate.com

The case against the mother of a Columbia toddler missing for five months will go to trial as the result of a grand jury indictment Thursday afternoon.

Zinah Jennings was indicted on a single count of unlawful neglect of a child, according to a 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office press release. If convicted of the felony, she faces up to 10 years behind bars.

The charge stems from the disappearance of her son, Amir, who was 18 months old when he was last seen more than five months ago. Jennings’ mother has said that her daughter is mentally ill and doesn’t know where the child is.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/05/10/3965847/mother-of-missing-columbia-toddler.html

FBI-Kidnappings & Missing Persons • AMIR JENNINGS


AMIR JENNINGS-MISSING



DESCRIPTION

Date(s) of Birth Used: June 28, 2010
Place of Birth: South Carolina
Height: Approximately 2'2" (at the time of his disappearance)
Weight: Approximately 25 pounds (at the time of his disappearance)
Hair: Brown (short)
Eyes: Brown
Sex: Male
Race: Black

Remarks: Amir Jennings had 4 to 6 teeth with a gap in between the top two middle teeth (at the time of his disappearance).

If you have any information concerning this person, please contact your local FBI office or the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

Field Office: Columbia

http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/amir-jennings

Amir Jennings Case




APNewsBreak: Missing SC boy’s mom wants case nixed

The Associated Press

Thursday, June 7, 2012 | 10 a.m.

A judge should throw out an indictment against the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler because prosecutors don't have enough evidence to prove their case and are only holding Zinah Jennings because she won't tell them where her son is, the woman's attorney said Thursday.

"You can't weigh the rights of a defendant against the rights of a missing child," Jennings' attorney, Hemphill Pride II, said in court. "The entire holding of Zinah Jennings in this case is a mere pretext."

Judge G. Thomas Cooper set a July trial date for Jennings, whose son, Amir, was 18 months old when he was last seen around Thanksgiving. Zinah Jennings' mother reported her missing several weeks later, telling police she thought her daughter and grandson were in Atlanta but that she was receiving evasive answers when she asked about Amir

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2012/jun/07/us-sc-missing-boy/


Mother of missing SC toddler indicted for neglect

Thursday, May 10, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) -- A grand jury has indicted the mother of a missing South Carolina toddler in connection with his disappearance.

Richland County prosecutors said in a statement that a grand jury on Thursday indicted 23-year-old Zinah Jennings on a charge of unlawful neglect of a child. Jennings was arrested last December on a charge stemming from the disappearance of 18-month-old Amir Jennings.

At the time, authorities said they were desperately searching for Amir after his mother told them several inconsistent and false stories about the boy being with relatives and friends in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia.

The mother and son were reported missing in early December, but the mother turned up after she was involved in a car accident on Christmas Eve.

http://www.wrdw.com/home/headlines/Mother_of_missing_SC_toddler_indicted_for_neglect_151025525.html


Mother of missing Columbia toddler indicted

Published: May 10, 2012


Amir Jennings

By R. Darren Price — dprice@thestate.com

The case against the mother of a Columbia toddler missing for five months will go to trial as the result of a grand jury indictment Thursday afternoon.

Zinah Jennings was indicted on a single count of unlawful neglect of a child, according to a 5th Circuit Solicitor’s Office press release. If convicted of the felony, she faces up to 10 years behind bars.

The charge stems from the disappearance of her son, Amir, who was 18 months old when he was last seen more than five months ago. Jennings’ mother has said that her daughter is mentally ill and doesn’t know where the child is.

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/05/10/3965847/mother-of-missing-columbia-toddler.html

Alessandra, thank you so much for putting these links together as an update. I continue to follow Amir and Zinah's case, and your updates are appreciated.

Amir Jennings - Case Information:

Police on Missing Toddler: 'We Have Not Ruled Out Foul Play'

9:12 PM, Jan 3, 2012



http://www.wltx.com/news/article/166330/2/Police-on-Missing-Toddler-We-Have-Not-Ruled-Out-Foul-Play

Mother making 'cryptic calls to family members about her depression' won't tell police where her 18-month-old son is after he's been missing more than a month

18-month-old Amir Jennings was reported missing in early December
Family says Zinah Jennings suffered from depression after son's birth



By Daily Mail Reporter

UPDATED: 18:34 EST, 4 January 2012

A former college student who became depressed and erratic after becoming a mother is charged with lying about where her missing 18-month-old son has been for more than a month.

Authorities said they were desperately searching for Amir Jennings after his 22-year-old mother, Zinah Jennings, told them several inconsistent stories about the boy being with relatives and friends across the south.

The mother and son were reported missing in early December, but the mother turned up after she was involved in a car accident on Christmas Eve.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2082360/Zinah-Jennings-wont-tell-police-missing-18-month-old-son-Amir-is.html

Cadaver Dogs Used In Search Of Toddler, Mom Still Uncooperative

Jan 5, 2012

UPDATE 5:27 PM EST: South Carolina law enforcement officials used cadaver dogs in their search for 18-month-old Amir Jennings (pictured) while his mother, Zinah Jennings, sat in jail on charges of lying about her final interactions with him.

http://newsone.com/1768015/zinah-jennings-not-cooperating-with-police-on-missing-son-amir-jennings/

January 6, 2012

"COLUMBIA, S.C. – The mother of an 18-month-old South Carolina boy missing for more than a month initially told investigators she didn't have a son, then gave conflicting statements about what she did with him, authorities said.

Questioned after a Christmas Eve car wreck, Zinah Jennings told police that she did not have a son before saying the boy, Amir, was in Atlanta, according to warrants provided to The Associated Press by Columbia police.

Jennings also took investigators to a Columbia apartment complex where she said she had dropped off her son. She later said she didn't know the apartment number or location within the complex, police said."

Zinah's wrecked car

Missing toddler's mother arrested for prostitution, drugs

Posted: Jan 13, 2012 8:53 AM CST
Updated: Jan 23, 2012 9:39 AM CST
By Jason Old - email


Zinah Jennings (Source: East Point Police Department)

EAST POINT, GA (WIS) - The mother of an 18-month-old boy who hasn't been seen since before Thanksgiving was arrested for prostitution in the Atlanta-area two weeks before the toddler went missing.

On November 9, 22-year-old Zinah Jennings agreed to have sex with an undercover police officer in East Point, Ga, according to a police report.

Police were conducting a special operation around 5:30 p.m. when they saw Jennings walking on the side of the street. Agents said it appeared Jennings was trying to get the attention of "every passing motorist."

http://www.wistv.com/story/16514017/missing-toddlers-mother-arrested-for-prostitution-drugs

Missing toddler's father: I don't have him

Posted: Jan 17, 2012 1:14 PM CST
Updated: Jan 27, 2012 1:17 PM CST
By Jody Barr - email

COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) – As the search for missing 18-month-old Amir Jennings grows colder, his father said he's getting more worried that his son may not come home.

Roderick Mitchell is Amir's biological father, who said he's tried to maintain a relationship with his son, but Zinah Jennings has prevented that from happening.

Mitchell told WIS that allegations that he, or someone in his family has Amir are, "absolutely not true." said Mitchell by phone. "In fact, investigators have never even asked me about anything like that." Amir's maternal grandmother, Jocelyn Jennings Nelson, told the Associated Press last week that Amir could be with Mitchell, or one of his family members.

Related Stories at same link:

http://www.wistv.com/story/16537484/amirs-father-i-just-want-to-find-amir

SLIDE SHOW

http://www.wistv.com/slideshow?widgetid=43504

Amir Jennings's Grandmother: I Believe He's Alive

7:44 PM, Feb 16, 2012


Columbia, SC (WLTX) - The grandmother of Amir Jennings, the Columbia toddler who's been missing since November, says she believes her grandson is still alive.

Jocelyn Jennings Nelson spoke to reporters late Thursday afternoon, just before a prayer vigil for the child was set to start.

Amir Jennings was last seen around Thanksgiving. The child's mother, Zinah Jennings, is in police custody, and investigators say she has been uncooperative.

http://www.wltx.com/news/crimestoppers/article/174060/28/Missing-Toddlers-Grandmother-I-Believe-Hes-Alive

KZ wrote:Alessandra, thank you so much for putting these links together as an update. I continue to follow Amir and Zinah's case, and your updates are appreciated.

You are welcome, KZ.

I have been interested in this case from the very beginning, I would like to know someday what Zinah did to this precious little boy.

Grandmother of Amir Jennings Still Has Hope Child is Alive

9:30 PM, Jun 14, 2012

WLTX - Columbia, SC



Click to play


Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Thursday, the lawyer for Zinah Jennings has responded to paperwork filed by prosecutors saying she needs to stay in jail.

Jennings is the mother of Amir Jennings, a Columbia toddler who hasn't been seen since last November. She's been in jail since December and is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child, and has not given police information on where her child may be.

Read more:

http://www.wltx.com/news/article/190446/2/Grandmother-of-Missing-Child-Still-Has-Hope-Hes-Alive

Prosecutor defends Zinah Jennings’ indictment
Defense attorney has three days to respond

June12, 2012

By NOELLE PHILLIPS
The State - Columbia, SC

The legal wrangling over the detention of the mother of a missing Columbia boy continued Monday as the 5th Circuit solicitor’s office filed a memo defending the mother’s indictment.

Assistant Solicitor Dolly Justice Garfield argued that the indictment of Zinah Jennings meets the legal requirements under S.C. law. Garfield filed her response Monday afternoon under orders from Richland County Circuit Judge Thomas Cooper.

Read more:

http://www.thestate.com/2012/06/12/2312114/prosecutor-defends-zinah-jennings.html

Jennings' attorney responds to prosecutor's motion to keep her locked up

Posted: Jun 14, 2012 8:59 PM CDT
Updated: Jun 14, 2012 9:02 PM CDT

By Renee Standera
WIS-TV - Columbia, SC



Zinah Jennings


COLUMBIA, SC (WIS) -
The attorney for the mother of a missing toddler has responded to the prosecutor's arguments that she should remain in jail until her trial.

Zinah Jennings is charged with unlawful conduct toward a child. Her son, Amir, has not been seen since November.

Read more:

http://www.wistv.com/story/18794112/jennings-attorney-responds-to-prosecutors-motion-to-keep-her-locked-up



Amir Jennings

Where is Amir Jennings?

Amir Jennings has been missing since November 24. His mother, Zinah Jennings, remains in jail.



NOVEMBER 9, 2011
Zinah Jennings is arrested in East Point, Georgia for prostitution and drug possession.


Click here to view a photographic timeline of events (30 photos):

http://www.wistv.com/slideshow?widgetid=43504
WIS-TV -- Columbia, SC - Slideshow with captions - Timeline of Events

Court Document

http://ftpcontent.worldnow.com/wistv/pdf/amirjenningswarrants.pdf
pdf via WIS-TV -- Columbia, SC: State of South Carolina - Search Warrant - Amir Jennings case

Previous articles:

Numerous articles from WIS-TV, Columbia, SC. Several pages and approximately 39 articles/videos.

http://www.wistv.com/search?vendor=ez&qu=Amir+Jennings
WIS-TV -- Columbia, SC Current as of 6/14/12

Search: Amir Jennings

Good find Ann ^^

I keep hoping for a positive outcome in this case. That maybe Zinah sold Amir for drugs and he is alive. His adorable face is recognizable and easy to identify. It has now been over 6 months and he has not been found. A positive outcome is turning into fear for what Zinah did with this little boy.

http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/woman-clings-hope-shell-find-missing-grandson-16639098
ABC News - 6/24/12

Woman Clings to Hope She'll Find Missing Grandson

Still missing, Amir Jennings turns 2 years old


Posted: Jun 27, 2012 9:32 PM CDT Updated: Jun 27, 2012 9:33 PM CDT

By Meaghan Norman - email

(see video, embed code not working here)

Amir Jennings will be 2 years old on Thursday. He's been missing since Thanksgiving of last year.

Columbia Police Chief Randy Scott they are still investigating every tip, but no one knows where Amir is at this point.

No one, that is, except Amir's mother, Zinah Jennings, who is now 7 months pregnant with her second child.

Read more:
http://www.wistv.com/story/18899712/still-missing-amir-jennings-turns-2-years-old

Offender Details

Offender Name: ZINAH DEMARIS JENNINGS

Offender ID: 604639
Date of Birth: 04/02/1989
Age: 23
Race: African American
Gender: Female

Custody Status: In Custody
Location of Offender: Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center
Scheduled Release Date:

Source:

https://www.vinelink.com/vinelink/detailsAction.do?siteId=41000&agency=48&id=604639&searchType=offender
VINELink - SC - Search - Jennings, Zinah

Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center
Columbia, Richland County, SC

6/28/2012 1:56:47 AM (search date/time)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offender is currently detained


Demographic

OffenderID:
604639

Last Name:
JENNINGS

First Name:
ZINAH

Middle Name:
DEMARIS

Sex:
Female

Race:
Black

DOB:
04/02/1989

Hair:
Other

Eyes:
Brown

Weight:
140

Height:
67
_______

Visual


_______


Current Charges Image

Warrant Code
K 690460

Bond
150000.00

BondType
SB

BondCourt
CITY

OffenseDescription
Children / Cruelty to children (Torture, deprivation)
_______

Bond Types: SB-Surety Bond · CB-Cash Bond · PR-Personal Recognizance · BD-Bond Denied

Source:

https://jail.richlandonline.com/public/default.aspx
Richland County, SC - Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center -- Jennings, Zinah Demaris

http://www.richlandonline.com/departments/clerkofcourt/index.asp
Richland County Clerk of Courts - Columbia, SC

Still missing, Amir Jennings turns 2 years old

http://www.wbtv.com/story/18899712/still-missing-amir-jennings-turns-2-years-old

What this article doesn't mention is that in December 2011, while in jail it was discovered that Zinah is pregnant. Assuming she was only a few weeks pregnant then, she would be about 7 months along now. There hasn't been any discussion of her pregnancy in articles since last Christmas, I think-- they are keeping it pretty quiet in the media.

I think that is part of why there have been no new developments or hearings in her current charges-- they are waiting for her to give birth, and still hoping for some leads on what happened to Amir. The infant will almost certainly be placed in foster care, unless her family makes legal efforts to bring the child home and raise him or her. I'm not sure how that works, but with her mental illness and current charges, and one son missing for 6+ months, I can't imagine she will have much contact with this infant, or any parental rights. Fortunately for the infant, imo.

At least I hope not. Give that child a chance to grow up, at least.

KZ - I totally had forgot all about Zinah being pregnant until I read the article Julie posted earlier today. It has eerily been kept quiet in the media. I don't think legally her pregnancy is a reason to deny her bond. I do think personally this unborn child has a better chance of survival with Zinah behind bars than if she was out on bail.

Lash wrote:KZ - I totally had forgot all about Zinah being pregnant until I read the article Julie posted earlier today. It has eerily been kept quiet in the media. I don't think legally her pregnancy is a reason to deny her bond. I do think personally this unborn child has a better chance of survival with Zinah behind bars than if she was out on bail.

I forgot too, until I read the article. Poor baby.

Attorney pushes for release of pregnant, ‘mentally ill’ mother of missing toddler

Published: June 29, 2012

By Noelle Phillips
The Herald - Rock Hill, SC



Amir Jennings was last seen by his family when
he was 18 months old at Thanksgiving.


COLUMBIA — The legal maneuvers over the incarceration of Zinah Jennings continued Thursday as her missing son’s 2nd birthday passed.

Hemphill Pride, Jennings’ attorney, filed a motion Thursday asking a circuit court judge to release his client from jail while her case is pending. He argued that any other 23-year-old who was a first-time offender would have been given a more reasonable bond on a cruelty to children charge.

Jennings, who is pregnant, remains in solitary confinement at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, where she is jailed on a $150,000 bond.

Read more:

http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/06/29/4081382/attorney-pushes-for-release-of.html

Missing Columbia toddler not around to celebrate birthday

by Katie Williams
WACH - Columbia, SC

Posted: 06.28.2012 at 11:26 PM



Click to play


COLUMBIA (WACH) -- Thursday is Amir Jennings’ second birthday, but the little boy isn’t around to celebrate it.

The Columbia toddler hasn’t been seen since last Thanksgiving. His mother, Zinah Jennings, remains in jail. Police say she isn't cooperating with the investigation.

Read more:

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=770967

Mother of missing Columbia toddler appears in court

By Brian McConchie
July 30, 2012
Posted: 1 hr agoUpdated: 56 mins ago



COLUMBIA, S.C. (WACH) - The mother of missing Columbia toddler Amir Jennings appeared in court Monday for a hearing where a judge is considering several pre-trial motions.

Zinah Jennings has been in jail since late December on unlawful conduct toward a child charges. Her son, Amir, was 18-months-old when he disappeared around Thanksgiving.

Jennings, who is pregnant with another child, sported a new look on Monday, wearing a white blouse and slacks instead of the usual prison jumpsuit she has worn in the past. Her attorney Hemphill Pride also asked Judge Knox McMahon to remove the handcuffs and shackles Jennings arrived in while the hearing was going on. McMahon granted that request.

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=782297

Blood on blanket matched missing child’s, police say

Judge must rule whether blanket can be used as evidence when Amir Jennings’ mother faces unlawful-conduct trial

Monday, Jul. 30, 2012

By NOELLE PHILLIPS - nophillips@thestate.com

Bloodstains found on a blanket in Zinah Jennings’ car trunk belonged to her missing son, police said during a Monday court hearing.

But a judge must decide whether the blanket can be presented as evidence in her trial, set for late August.

Hemphill Pride II, Jennings’ defense attorney, asked Monday that the bloodstained blanket be barred from the trial because it would prejudice a jury in deciding whether Jennings should be convicted of unlawful conduct toward a child.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/07/30/2375432/mother-of-missing-child-appears.html#storylink=cpy

Unbelievable, if the child was alive I would think that even someone who is mentally ill would tell someone where they were so that they would not be imprisoned. Just me I guess.

Not like children are a set of keys that you misplace. Where is the mothering instinct in these women?

quoting Alexandra_deux Hemphill Pride II, Jennings’ defense attorney, asked Monday that the bloodstained blanket be barred from the trial because it would prejudice a jury in deciding whether Jennings should be convicted of unlawful conduct toward a child.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/07/30/2375432/mother-of-missing-child-appears.html#storylink=cpy


JMO so what if the jury is prejudiced with the blanket.. I say prejudice away... this mother needs to come clean and say where this child is.. or spend a very long time in jail. I am sorry but this whole "postpartum depression" thing gets on my nerves. If a woman is depressed after childbirth then in my opinion the family then becomes responsible for the safety of the child. Someone NEEDS to pay for the loss of this child. A car gets into a fender bender; then oops my bad... a child is endangered, harmed, missing or murdered then there is no punishment that is strong enough.

Sorry, rant over!

Prosecutors: Amir's blood found in Zinah Jennings' trunk

Posted: Jul 30, 2012 11:18 PM CDT
Updated: Jul 31, 2012 7:49 AM CDT

~Snipped~

Prosecutors say the case should go to trial because they say harm was done to the child. They say Amir's blood was found in the trunk of Jennings' car.

The defense says the charges should be dismissed because Jennings was arrested for nothing more than not telling police where her child was and that she had the right to remain silent.

The trial is scheduled to begin August 27.

http://www.wbtv.com/story/19152416/jennings-in-court-investigators-testify

Jennings Hearing Postponed

By Crandall Sims
Story Created: Aug 6, 2012 at 11:40 AM EDT

(Story Updated: Aug 6, 2012 at 11:41 AM EDT )
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- A court hearing for Zinah Jennings, the mother of missing Midlands toddler Amir Jennings, has been postponed.

The hearing, regarding what evidence will be allowed at her upcoming trial, was set for today. However, according to the Richland County Solicitor's Office the hearing was postponed until Wednesday morning.

http://www.abccolumbia.com/news/local/Jennings-Hearing-Postponed--165138826.html

________

Photos, documentation presented during Zinah Jennings' pre-trial hearing

by WACH Fox News Center
Posted: 08.08.2012 at 12:26 PM




COLUMBIA (WACH) - Zinah Jennings appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing Wednesday morning. Nineteen exhibits including the pictures and State Law Enforcement Division documents were presented during the hearing.

Columbia police officer George Wise with the crime scene unit and Jaime Gunter, the dog handler who searched Jennings' car, were interviewed.

Read more:

http://www.midlandsconnect.com/news/story.aspx?id=785880#.UCLMf_ZlTFs

Does anyone know if Zinah has given birth yet? It's about the right time-- her pregnancy was announced around Christmas of last year.

http://www.wistv.com/story/19243454/mother-of-missing-toddler-charged-with-assault

Richland County Sheriff's Deputies charged Zinah Jennings with third degree assault and battery Thursday.

The sheriff's office says the charge stems from an altercation with a nurse that happened earlier this year in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

I didn't know Zinah's trial was in 2 weeks!

Ah-- here is the original story from June. I missed this.

http://www.wistv.com/story/18678959/zinah-jennings-in-solitary-for-incident-with-nurse

Zinah Jennings will sit in solitary confinement for the next 90 days following an incident with a nurse at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center.

Zinah Jennings Facing Assault Charge
8:48 AM, Aug 10, 2012   

Snip- Jennings' attorney has said the charged stems from an allegation that his client pushed and shoved a jailhouse nurse over medication earlier this year. Jennings has been ordered by a judge to take an antipsychotic drug.

Jennings has been in jail since late last year on a charge of cruelty to children. Authorities say she has refused to tell them the whereabouts of her son, 2-year-old Amir Jennings.

The young mother is pregnant with a second child. Her trial on the cruelty charge is set to begin later this month.

http://www.wltx.com/news/article/197110/2/Zinah-Jennings-Facing-Assault-Charge

Bloodstains allowed in SC mom's trial

Posted: Aug 15, 2012 4:05 PM CDT Updated: Aug 15, 2012 4:09 PM CDT

COLUMBIA, SC (AP) -
Prosecutors can use the bloodstains of a missing Columbia boy in a trial against his mother.

Circuit Judge Knox McMahon made the ruling Wednesday in the case against Zinah Jennings.

Read more:
http://www.live5news.com/story/19287765/bloodstains-allowed-in-sc-moms-trial

APNewsBreak: Bloodstains allowed in SC mom's trial
MEG KINNARD, Associated Press, By MEG KINNARD,
Updated 2:49 p.m., Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Snip - Jennings has not been charged in the boy's death, but her attorney had asked that the blood not be allowed to be used as evidence in her coming trial, saying the blanket would imply that. Pride has also asked a judge to suppress search warrants and statements that Jennings made to police during their investigation and has asked that television cameras be barred from her trial.

On Wednesday, Jennings' aunt testified that she took her niece to a salvage yard to retrieve clothes and other belongings from her totaled car two days after the wreck. Questioned by Jennings' attorney, Millie Houston also said that no police officers were guarding the car, and there was no evidence tape visible.

Jennings' mother also testified that she stored bags of her daughter's things, ultimately washing and storing the items and clothing within.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/APNewsBreak-Bloodstains-allowed-in-SC-mom-s-trial-3777677.php#ixzz23iFoHMyH

SC mother set to be tried in missing boy case

By: MEG KINNARD | The Associated Press
Published: August 26, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — After eight months in jail, the mother of a missing South Carolina boy is expected in court this week for a trial on a charge of lying to police about her now 2-year-old son's whereabouts.

The trial of Zinah Jennings is expected to get under way in a Columbia courtroom on Monday. The 23-year-old mother has been jailed since December as police have investigated the disappearance of her son, Amir. Jennings was charged with unlawful conduct toward a child after authorities say she told them several inconsistent and false stories about who is caring for the boy, whose second birthday was earlier this summer.

Police say Jennings, who is due to give birth to a second child in several weeks, has refused to tell investigators where she left Amir.

Read more: http://www2.scnow.com/news/pee-dee/2012/aug/26/sc-mother-set-be-tried-missing-boy-case-ar-4414967/

Trial to begin for Zinah Jennings, mom of Amir Jennings

6:24am - Aug 27th, 2012 - (Associated Press)

COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The mother of a missing South Carolina boy is set to go on trial on a charge of not being honest with investigators about the boy's whereabouts.

Zinah Jennings' trial on a charge of unlawful conduct toward a child is set to begin Monday in Columbia.

Her son Amir was 18 months old when he was last seen around Thanksgiving. Jennings' mother reported her missing several weeks later, telling police that she thought her daughter and grandson were in Atlanta but that she was receiving evasive answers when she asked about the boy.

http://www.11alive.com/rss/article/253964/3/Zinah-Jennings-trial-begins-Monday

SC mother set to be tried in missing boy case - Sunday, Aug. 26, 2012

Snip - Pride has also asked a judge to suppress search warrants and statements that Jennings made to police during their investigation and has asked that television cameras be barred from her trial. A judge has not ruled on those requests.

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/08/26/4758171/sc-mother-set-to-be-tried-in-missing.html#storylink=cpy

Judge Rules Zinah Jennings Competent to Stand Trial

Zinah Jennings appears in court on August 8, 2012.

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - A judge has ruled the mother of a missing Columbia toddler competent to stand trial.

Zinah Jennings was in court Monday morning for the beginning of her trial on a charge of unlawful conduct toward a child.

A psychologist met with Jennings Monday morning, and concluded that she was mentally sound to begin the trial.

~Snipped~

Jury selection is expected to begin in the afternoon

http://www.wltx.com/news/article/199326/2/Judge-Rules-Zinah-Jennings-Competent-to-Stand-Trial?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Cbc%7Clarge

Zinah Jennings’ Trial for Abandoning Toddler Son Amir Begins

By Carol Bengle Gilbert | 1 hr 13 mins ago

Snip- Jennings is pregnant with a second child due to be delivered this month, CBS News noted. After her arrest, she was diagnosed with schizophrenia and is under a court mandate to take Risperdal to control the condition. Zinah Jennings' mother, Jocelyn Jennings Nelson, is preparing to raise the new baby, according to an Associated Press report.

http://news.yahoo.com/zinah-jennings-trial-abandoning-toddler-son-amir-begins-171500988.html

Well, hopefully the jury will find her guilty so that she spends the next 10 years in prison. That would give police time to put together enough to charge her in Amir's almost certain death, as well as give her next child a chance at living and growing up. I certainly hope CPS moves to remove all of her parental rights to the newborn ASAP.

'Is the baby OK?’ Police officer testifies about interview with mother of missing boy

By JOHN MONK - jmonk@thestate.com
Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012

The Columbia mother on trial in the case of her missing son told police she needed a break from parenting.

Prosecutors Tuesday played a lengthy interview with Zinah Jennings. In the tape, a police sergeant tells Jennings he knows parenting is stressful and understands that she needs time away from her son.

But during the more than two-hour interrogation, Sgt. Arthur Thomas pleaded, cajoled and begged Jennings to tell him and another detective where Amir was. The boy was 18 months old when he was last seen, around Thanksgiving.

"Is the baby OK? Is he OK? ...You are not answering. Is he OK?"
At another point , Thomas said, "I got to make sure he is not lying dead somewhere ... I have to lay eyes on him. Like I'm laying eyes on you.”

When Zinah told police she knew where Amir was living but it would be too stressful for her to see Amir, Thomas said she could show him the residence where Amir was now living.

Read more:

http://www.thestate.com/2012/08/28/2415816/heated-exchanges-open-trial-over.html#storylink=cpy

Witness: SC mom of missing boy talked ‘about giving him away’

Published: August 29, 2012
By John Monk

COLUMBIA — A few months before Columbia toddler Amir Jennings disappeared, his mother told a friend she sometimes thought about selling him, giving him away or throwing him out the window of a car, a witness testified Wednesday.

"I thought she was just stressed out," said Christian Dickerson, 23, a longtime friend of Zinah Jennings since their days at Hand Middle School.

In early September last year, Dickerson testified, Zinah Jennings came over to her house without Amir, who was in daycare at the time.

"She told me she thought about getting in a car and just keeping on going," Dickerson testified under questioning from assistant 5th Judicial Circuit solicitor Meghan Walker.

"She actually said something about giving him away," Dickerson added.

Read more : http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/08/29/4222668/witness-sc-mom-of-missing-boy.html

Zinah's sister testified she saw changes in her mothering

Updated: Aug 30, 2012 7:49 PM EDT
By Jack Kuenzie

~Snipped~

"When he was first born, she was just an absolutely a doting mom," Denise Jennings told the court.

"And I could see that characteristic. She didn't do anything harmful to him. As a matter of fact she talked about how he was the joy of her life and the only joy of her life." she said.

"She loved him," said Denise Jennings. "But I didn't see the, you know, changing of the diapers and the feeding and the doing I had noticed early on. That was gone."

Read more: http://www.wistv.com/story/19422879/zinahs-sister-testified-she-saw-changes-in-her-mothering

Jennings not ''mother-material' says witness.



By Crandall Sims
Story Created: Aug 30, 2012 at 1:34 PM EDT
(Story Updated: Aug 30, 2012 at 9:46 PM EDT )

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) -- Thursday Denise Jennings took the stand in her sister's, Zinah Jennings, trial for Unlawful Conduct Toward a Child in connection with the disappearance of her son, Amir Jennings.

~Snipped~

Also on the stand Thursday was another relative of Zinah's, however the relative did not want to be identified. The relative testified that Zinah came to her Columbia home on Christmas Eve of 2011 after she was involved in a traffic accident. The relative stated she asked Zinah about her son Amir Jennings, to which she says Zinah told her he was with her sister, Denise, in Atlanta. However, the relative became emotional on the stand when she testified that she called Denise and was told Amir was not there and that Denise hadn't seen him.

The relative also testified that Zinah once told her that motherhood was hard and not everyone was 'mother-material', the relative says Zinah then told her, she herself was not 'mother-material.'

Zinah Jennings is pregnant with her second child, she is expected to give birth within several weeks.

She faces up to 10 years in prison, if convicted.

http://www.abccolumbia.com/news/local/Witness-She-said-she-wasnt-mother-material--168015716.html#commentform

Zinah jennings Trial

Friend: Mother kicked boy, wanted to give him away

Witness says defendant thought about tossing now-missing son out car window

Thursday, Aug. 30, 2012
By JOHN MONK - jmonk@thestate.com


Zinah Jennings, the mother of, Amir Jennings, who has been missing since November, 2011, attending a pre-trial hearing.
- Tim Dominick /tdominick@thestate.com

~Snipped~

Other witnesses Wednesday underscored what prosecutors describe as a marked lack of concern by Zinah Jennings for Amir’s welfare.

Former S.C. Credit Union teller Kristen Knight, testified that on Nov. 29 that Zinah Jennings – who was withdrawing money – was so unaware of Amir’s presence in the bank that the toddler actually almost ran outside through the Credit Union’s front double doors. Moreover, Knight and another former teller, Ashleigh Burnett, testified that on occasions when Zinah Jennings used the drive-in teller’s window, they could see that Amir was not buckled in to a safety seat.

Adrienne Alston, 23, and her boyfriend, Troy Clark, testified that Zinah Jennings last fall left Amir asleep in her car when she came in for a visit.

~Snipped~

Jennings’ defense attorney, Hemphill Pride, tried to blunt the worst of the testimony by getting nearly all the witnesses to acknowledge that when they saw Amir, he appeared happy, clean, well-groomed and well dressed.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/08/30/2417449/missing-boys-father-testifies.html#storylink=cpy

Zinah Jennings, Mother of Amir Jennings, Gives Birth to Second Child

1:08 PM, Aug 31, 2012 | Written by Tony Santaella

Columbia, SC (WLTX) - Zinah Jennings, the mother of missing Columbia toddler Amir Jennings, has given birth to a second child.

Sources confirmed to News19 that the woman had a baby girl at 3 a.m. at Palmetto Richland. The judge in her trial later confirmed the birth, and said that the mother and child are healthy. They are expected to leave the hospital Sunday.

http://www.wltx.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=199827

If Zinah J found parenting to be so stressful that she felt compelled to give away or "eliminate" Amir, then she should have made using contraceptives a priority. It really riles me that she is pregnant again. In fact, it sickens me. This just means that another child, one of thousands, will end up in foster care or being neglected and abused.


Also, I'm assuming that since she was only charged with neglect, that in the event that Amir's remains are ever found, she can still be charged with murder.

I made this post before reading that she has now given birth. How chronically sad that another unwanted child has entered this world.

Judge lets case against missing boy's mom proceed

MEG KINNARD, Associated Press
Updated 2:23 p.m., Tuesday, September 4, 2012

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Just four days after giving birth to a second child, a South Carolina mother was back in court Tuesday in the case of her missing son.

Prosecutors continued presenting their case against Zinah Jennings, the 23-year-old Columbia mother charged with unlawful neglect toward a child. Jennings' trial began last week, and defense attorneys are expected to soon begin putting up their case.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Judge-lets-case-against-missing-boy-s-mom-proceed-3838433.php#ixzz25fUGQ61h

________

ZINAH JENNINGS TRIAL

Detective: All angles explored in missing Columbia toddler case

Lead investigator details scope, intensity of search for missing toddler


Zinah Jennings, Tuesday court appearance.
- Tim Dominick /tdominick@thestate.com

By JOHN MONK - jmonk@thestate.com
Wednesday, Sep. 05, 2012

Cellphone pings. Surveillance videos. Confidential databases. A diver groping in a pond. Tips from across the country. A hunt for a man who apparently never existed. An intensive search of a Richland County woods by some 100 officers. Search warrants. Welfare agency and school records.

In almost three hours on the witness stand Tuesday, Columbia police investigator Colin Bailey told a jury in the case of missing Columbia toddler Amir Jennings that a massive police search last winter left no avenues unexplored to find the boy alive.

Bailey was the 38th witness that assistant 5th Circuit Solicitor Luck Campbell put on the stand as the trial entered its second week. Bailey’s role: to tie together all the various strands of evidence presented earlier so the jury can have no doubt the missing Amir was, at the least, abandoned by his mother in a way that put him at risk.

~Snipped~

Earlier Tuesday, Circuit Judge Knox McMahon denied a motion by Pride for a mistrial. Zinah Jennings, nine months pregnant when she delivered a baby girl early Friday morning at a local hospital, is not healthy enough to continue, Pride said. She has been in jail since Dec. 30.

But McMahon said he had observed Jennings, talked to her doctor and concluded he could continue the trial, albeit with frequent breaks.

Read more here: http://www.thestate.com/2012/09/04/2425396/judge-denies-mistrial-in-jennings.html#storylink=cpy