Young Groom Charged With Murdering Bride

[odette]

8/14/2008

Young Groom Charged With Murdering Bride

. . . . . http://i34.tinypic.com/2s6llk6.jpg
. . . . . Ryan Widmer, charged with wife's murder.

A man called 911 saying his wife drowned in the tub after falling asleep.

Two days later police arrested him for her murder. Ryan Widmer will make his first appearance on those charges Thursday morning before a Warren County judge.

"I never saw him doing anything but smiling, so he was a super nice guy. I just can't imagine," said neighbor Mandy Antonczak.

In his call to 911, Ryan Widmer told the dispatcher that he was downstairs watching TV. .....

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=9153f5dd-d449-4fc7-b676-14aed0a55715

[odette]

August 14, 2008

Updated: Hamilton Twp. Man Charged In Wife's Death

24-Year-Old's Body Discovered In Bathtub

. . . . . http://i36.tinypic.com/9rspqf.jpg

http://www.wlwt.com/news/17182889/detail.html

[odette]

8/14/2008

Man Charged in Wife's Drowning

A judge set bond at a million dollars today for a man charged with murder in the bathtub drowning of his wife of a few months.

At the video arraignment today in Warren County Court, relatives of 27-year-old Ryan Widmer protested the high bond and cried.

The Hamilton Township man told a 911 dispatcher Monday night that he tried to perform c-p-r after finding 24-year-old Sarah Widmer unresponsive in a bath.

The coroner issued a preliminary ruling of drowning. But investigators found evidence of trauma that was inconsistent with an accident and not plainly visible on the body.

Police took evidence from the couple's four-bedroom home and say they found contradictions with Widmer's account.

"How long was she in the bathtub? She was in here for at least 15 minutes, a half hour, somewhere in there. I was out there watching TV. She falls asleep in the tub all the time."

Widmer's lawyer says Ryan and Sarah were not having trouble and he doesn't understand why investigators believe there was foul play. The prosecutors says the couple had no documented history of domestic violence and Widmer has no criminal record. He is a 2004 Miami University graduate and a sales manager of sporting events for the county's visitors bureau. His wife was a dental hygienist.

http://www.local12.com/mostpopular/story.aspx?content_id=3628e56b-23e7-4aa3-8fd3-a4b90046badf

[odette]

8/14/2008

$1M Bond For Husband Accused Of Killing Wife

. . . . . http://i33.tinypic.com/30lyu1c.jpg

Excerpt: Both families sat together as Ryan was arraigned Thursday. Family members on both sides say they don't believe Ryan killed his wife.

. . . . . http://i38.tinypic.com/2agm0c1.jpg (http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cf6b7831-3d7c-4434-9e77-bbf338ae7799)

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cf6b7831-3d7c-4434-9e77-bbf338ae7799

[odette]

. . . . . http://i36.tinypic.com/r7rb00.jpg
. . . . . Sarah & Ryan Widmer

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cf6b7831-3d7c-4434-9e77-bbf338ae7799

[odette]

By DAN SEWELL Associated Press Writer - Published on Friday Aug 15, 2008

Ohio man indicted in bathtub death of wife

An Ohio man whose wife of a few months drowned in their bathtub was indicted Friday on a charge of aggravated murder.

Police said Ryan Widmer, 27, called 911 late Monday to report he had found Sarah Widmer, 24, unresponsive in their home in Hamilton Township, a suburban area northeast of Cincinnati.

The coroner issued a preliminary ruling of drowning. However, investigators also found evidence of trauma that was inconsistent with an accident, said Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel.

"The significant amount of physical and circumstantial evidence that have been uncovered reveal that this was no accident," Hutzel said in a statement Friday. "Sarah died after a violent struggle."

Widmer, jailed Wednesday and held on bond of $1 million, faces arraignment Aug. 20 and could be sentenced to life in prison if convicted.

Widmer told a 911 dispatcher that he was watching television and that his wife often fell asleep in the tub. He said he tried to revive her.

His lawyer, Charlie Rittgers, said Friday he's seen no signs of violence or problems between the couple.

"It's hard to fathom where they're getting this information," Rittgers said. "From what I've seen, and I've been to the home, there is no evidence whatsoever of any violence."

Rittgers said authorities had removed the bathtub.

The couple had no documented history of domestic violence, Hutzel said. Rittgers said Widmer has no criminal record.

Widmer is a sales manager of sporting events for the county's visitors bureau. His wife was a dental hygienist.

Friends and relatives of both expressed shock after Widmer's arrest and were in court Thursday to show support for him.

http://www.ohio.com/news/ap?articleID=660474&c=y

[odette]

By Justin McClelland, Ryan Cook and Eric Robinette - Friday, August 15, 2008

'We believe this to be murder'

Ryan K. Widmer, 27, of Hamilton Twp. was indicted Friday, Aug. 15 by a Warren County grand jury on a charge of aggravated murder in the death of his wife, Sarah, a 2002 graduate of Edgewood High School.

"We believe this to be a murder," Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel said. "The significant amount of physical and circumstantial evidence that have been uncovered reveal that this was no accident. Sarah died after a violent struggle. .....

http://www.middletownjournal.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/08/15/mj081608sarah.html

[odette]

By Janice Morse • August 18, 2008

Widmer on paid leave while in jail

While Ryan Widmer sits in a jail cell, accused of killing his wife, he is on paid administrative leave from his sports-marketing job with the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, his boss, Shirley Bonekemper said today. .....

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080818/NEWS0107/308180028

[odette]

8/20/2008

Husband Pleads Not Guilty To Killing Wife

The Hamilton Township man accused of killing his newlywed wife appeared in court Wednesday. .....

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=9a8e1fbc-173a-44c3-9722-bc7ef865821f

[odette]

By KANTELE FRANKO Associated Press Writer - Published on Wednesday Aug 20, 2008

$1M bond for Ohio man accused in wife's death

A man accused of drowning his wife in a bathtub remained in jail on $1 million bond Wednesday, despite a courtroom plea from the man's in-laws who want him to attend the woman's funeral.

Ryan Widmer, 27, appeared near tears as his brother-in-law spoke during his arraignment on a charge of aggravated murder in the death of Sarah Widmer, 24.

"In our heart of hearts, we don't believe Ryan did this," said Sarah's brother, Mike Steward, speaking for himself and his mother.

They were among some 18 relatives who packed a Warren County Common Pleas courtroom to support Widmer, who pleaded not guilty. If convicted, Widmer could face up to life in prison.

Several relatives began to sob as Magistrate W. Andrew Hasselbach agreed with the prosecution's request to continue the $1 million bond that was set last week. Prosecutors say he is a risk to flee.

Hasselbach also dismissed requests by Widmer's attorney for stipulations that would have helped the family make bond.

Sarah Widmer's relatives declined further comment as they left the courtroom, and it wasn't immediately known whether they will continue to delay her funeral.

Ryan Widmer told a 911 dispatcher Aug. 11 that he found his wife unresponsive in a bathtub in their Hamilton Township home, north of Cincinnati. He said he had tried to resuscitate her, and that she'd fallen asleep in the tub on other occasions.

Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel has said evidence suggests Sarah Widmer died after a violent struggle. A coroner's preliminary ruling called the death a drowning.

Defense attorney Charlie Rittgers said he's unsure what the evidence is and probably won't know for weeks. He added that family and friends depict the Widmers as happy newlyweds.

"They were deeply in love," Rittgers said. "There was never any animosity or harsh words between them."

Widmer, a Miami University graduate, is on paid leave from his work as a sporting events sales manager with the county's visitors bureau. His wife was a dental hygienist.

Rittgers said family members set up a fund at Fifth-Third Bank to help Widmer with legal fees.

http://www.ohio.com/news/ap?articleID=681794&c=y

[odette]

Police: Accused Husband's Story Doesn't Add Up (http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story.aspx?content_id=e8ae7af3-d62c-419b-8efe-ec701732a2c6)

[odette]

By Janice Morse • August 21, 2008

More details emerge in bathtub death case

Bathtub drowning suspect Ryan Widmer gave police statements that are "not consistent" with the autopsy on his wife, newly released court records show. .....

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080821/NEWS0107/308210023

[odette]

. . . . . http://i34.tinypic.com/1zr2gc8.jpg
Ryan Widmer is led away by Sheriff's deputies after the arraignment, as his lawyer Charlie Rittgers watches. Rittgers says he remains in the dark about what evidence prosecutors have against his client. -- The Enquirer/Leigh Taylor

More photos from Widmer appears in court (http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=AB&Dato=20080820&Kategori=NEWS0107&Lopenr=808200806&Ref=PH)

[odette]

By Denise G. Callahan - Thursday, August 21, 2008

Police search, seize items from Widmer's home, office

Excerpt: According to the affidavit for search warrants executed for the couple's home at 5250 Crested Owl Court and his office at the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau, irregularities between what Widmer said happened and the evidence found prompted the murder charge.

Police seized more evidence at the Widmer's work than they did his home, according to search warrant documents filed with the Warren County Common Pleas Court.

They seized payroll, personnel and expense records along with phone logs and travel itineraries. They also collected binders filled with his work as a sales manager in charge of sports events, calendars and planners and an invoice for a Dell Latitude laptop computer — but no computer — among other items. All they took from the home that was authorized by the search warrant was a safe containing bank statements and other documents, a Verizon cellular phone and an HP Pavilion computer.

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/08/21/ws082108widmerweb.html

[odette]

By Ryan Cook and Justin McClelland - Friday, August 22, 2008

Widmer posts bond, released from jail

Ryan Widmer — who is accused of drowning his wife in the bathtub of their Hamilton Twp. home — posted bond and left the Warren County Jail today, Aug. 22.

Widmer's bond was lowered from $1 million to $400,000 by Warren County Court of Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson, according to Widmer's attorney, Charlie Rittgers, The bond was originally set at $1 million last week. .....

http://www.daytondailynews.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/08/22/ws082208widmerweb.html

[odette]

By Janice Morse • August 22, 2008

Widmer's eulogy read at wife's Mass

MASON - Just as Ryan Widmer was being freed from the Warren County jail in Lebanon Friday, a memorial Mass was beginning for his wife at a church in Mason.

Widmer, 27, accused of aggravated murder in his wife’s Aug. 11 bathtub drowning in Hamilton Township, wasn’t released in time to attend the Mass.

But mourners heard a eulogy that Widmer had written for his wife, Sarah, 24. .....

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080822/NEWS0107/308220043

[odette]

By Sheila McLaughlin • August 25, 2008

Trial set for Nov. 17 in bathtub death

A trial date has been set for Nov. 17 for the Hamilton Township newlywed accused of killing his wife in the bathtub at their home.

Ryan Widmer, 27, faces a charge of aggravated murder in the death of Sarah Widmer. The 24-year-old woman drowned Aug. 11.

Prosecutors say investigators found indications of a violent struggle, but have not publicly specified that evidence.

Widmer was released from jail Friday after a bondsman posted $400,000 in bail.

He didn’t get out in time for his wife’s funeral Mass at St. Susanna Church in Mason, but a eulogy he wrote was read at the Mass.

Relatives of the couple have disputed that Ryan Widmer killed his wife, saying she habitually fell asleep in the tub and that her death was probably an accident.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080825/NEWS0107/308250037

[odette]

By Sheila McLaughlin • August 28, 2008

Search reveals blood in bathtub death

A blood stain on the carpet under Sarah Widmer’s head and another blood smear on her vagina were found at the scene of her death in Hamilton Township, according to a search warrant unsealed this morning in Warren County. .....

Excerpt: An affidavit for the search warrant, signed by Police Officer Quillan Short, provides some insight into the case but also leaves many unanswered questions.

Quillan wrote that Widmer told him he had removed his wife from the tub. Hamilton Township emergency medical technicians were attempting to resuscitate Sarah when Quillan arrived.

“(I) noted that she was nude and only her hair appeared to be wet. The carpet underneath the body was dry. There were two blood stains noted. The first was in the area of where Sarah A. Widmer’s head was lying; the second blood stain was coming from her vaginal area,” Quillan wrote.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080828/NEWS0107/308280066

[odette]

By Ryan Cook - Thursday, August 28, 2008

Blood stains, documents found in Widmer home; lawyer says they're not evidence of foul play

The findings of a search warrant executed Aug. 13 at the Hamilton Twp. home of Ryan Widmer reveal evidence that could be damaging to his not-guilty plea in the drowning death of his wife, according to records. .....

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/08/28/ws082808widmerweb.html?imw=Y

[odette]

By 700WLW News - Thursday, August 28, 2008

Unsealed Warrant Casts Doubt on Widmer's Case

View PDF copy of the warrant

911 Call from Suspicious Death Released

http://www.700wlw.com/main.html

[odette]

August 28, 2008

Search Warrant Reveals New Details In Newlywed's Slaying

Woman's Body Dry, Hair Wet Despite Drowning In Bathtub

http://www.wlwt.com/news/17325344/detail.html

[SaraSidle]

August 28, 2008

Search Warrant Reveals New Details In Newlywed's Slaying

Woman's Body Dry, Hair Wet Despite Drowning In Bathtub

http://www.wlwt.com/news/17325344/detail.html

How could he do that? her body Dry? :shrug:

[susie31023]

How could he do that? her body Dry? :shrug:

Sara, it could have been for money, argument, or just that he is a sick Bas^*&. It seems the more we hear that human life is considered expendable for any number of reasons. It's just so sad that these so called humans walk among us everyday:mad::flamemad:. JMO

[grneyes]

I think there could have been time for her body to dry before someone else got there. If you go swimming your body is going to dry off faster than your hair when you get out of the water.

Since they were newlyweds isn't it possible she could have had some injuries from a wild night of love making?

[SaraSidle]

I think there could have been time for her body to dry before someone else got there. If you go swimming your body is going to dry off faster than your hair when you get out of the water.

Since they were newlyweds isn't it possible she could have had some injuries from a wild night of love making?

I do not know grneyes. anything is possible. I am still surprised she was dry. I would like to see and hear more first. IMO

[One2Snoop]

It's also possible he put a towel over her before help arrived? It's also possible when he pulled her out of the tub he may have accidently hit her head on something and it's also possible when he grabbed her he might have done so between the legs maybe scraping her with a fingernail? Lots of "ifs" in this case. I haven't finished reading through all the articles yet, but from everything I've read so far none of this is adding up. :shrug: For Sarah's family to stand behind him says a lot about his character IMO, although I can't help but think back about how Scott Peterson fooled the Rocha's. Back to reading...

[grneyes]

It's also possible he put a towel over her before help arrived? It's also possible when he pulled her out of the tub he may have accidently hit her head on something and it's also possible when he grabbed her he might have done so between the legs maybe scraping her with a fingernail? Lots of "ifs" in this case. I haven't finished reading through all the articles yet, but from everything I've read so far none of this is adding up. :shrug: For Sarah's family to stand behind him says a lot about his character IMO, although I can't help but think back about how Scott Peterson fooled the Rocha's. Back to reading...

There's definitely too much not adding up. Hope they get more definite answers soon.

[SaraSidle]

It's also possible he put a towel over her before help arrived? It's also possible when he pulled her out of the tub he may have accidently hit her head on something and it's also possible when he grabbed her he might have done so between the legs maybe scraping her with a fingernail? Lots of "ifs" in this case. I haven't finished reading through all the articles yet, but from everything I've read so far none of this is adding up. :shrug: For Sarah's family to stand behind him says a lot about his character IMO, although I can't help but think back about how Scott Peterson fooled the Rocha's. Back to reading...

all good points One2Snoop. thanks for the info

[odette]

By Janice Morse • September 24, 2008

Still no autopsy report in bathtub death

Warren County prosecutors have provided about 350 pages of evidence to the lawyer for Ryan Widmer, accused in the bathtub drowning of his 24-year-old wife -- but an autopsy report still isn't among those records.

Tests for alcohol and drugs on the blood of victim Sarah Widmer still weren't complete as of today, said Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel, following a pre-trial conference with Widmer's lawyer, Charlie Rittgers, and Judge Neal B. Bronson, in Common Pleas Court here this morning.

Hutzel expects tests could take up to eight weeks from the date of Sarah Widmer's Aug. 11 death. The results will be incorporated into an autopsy report that Coroner Russell Uptegrove will prepare.

Uptegrove's preliminary ruling indicated Sarah Widmer drowned.

Her husband had called 911 and reported she had fallen asleep in the bathtub of their Hamilton Township home. The case is that community's first alleged homicide in a decade.

The autopsy findings are a crucial piece of evidence, and key to developing a defense for Widmer, Rittgers said, adding, "I think there will be conclusions drawn by this coroner that will be subject to interpretation."

Further, Rittgers said he thinks investigators have been unable to find any solid motive for why Ryan Widmer, 27, would have killed his wife of less than four months.

By all accounts, the couple appeared to have a happy and loving relationship. But Hutzel again repeated that people don't know what happens between couples in private, and that cases of violence between intimate partners frequently do come as a surprise to relatives and friends.

Although the law doesn't require prosecutors to prove a motive, juries and the public do expect to know why a person committed a murder, Hutzel said.

"We will share our theory of the case and our theory of motive when we get in a front of a jury," Hutzel said.

The next hearing in the case is Oct. 22. The trial is set for Nov. 17.

If convicted of aggravated murder, Widmer would go to prison for 20 years to life.

Hutzel said she remains confident in the case against Widmer, despite apparent continuous widespread support for him. Friends and family say Sarah Widmer habitually fell asleep in odd places, supporting Ryan Widmer's claim that his wife fell asleep in the tub.

But Hutzel has said investigators found evidence of a violent struggle and injuries that cannot be explained by an accidental cause. Authorities have not disclosed that evidence and they say it's unlikely to surface until the case goes to trial.

Widmer is a graduate of Colerain High School and Miami University, and had been working for the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau as a sports marketer. His paid leave changed to an unpaid leave Sept. 30.

Rittgers says Widmer, who was freed after $400,000 bond was posted on his behalf, has not returned to work but is still considered an employee of the bureau.

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080924/NEWS0107/309240039

[odette]

Pretrial For Man Accused Of Killing Wife

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=157a79ff-d0db-4a81-a999-abeb576dec67

[odette]

By Lauren Pack - September 24, 2008

Attorneys in Widmer case still expect November trial

LEBANON — Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel and Charles Rittgers, attorney for Ryan Widmer, the young husband accused of killing his wife, met in chambers today, Sept. 24, to discuss the status of the case with Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson.

Both sides emerged saying were ready for trial on Nov. 17.

Widmer, 27, is accused of drowning his 24-year-old wife, Sarah Widmer, in a bathtub at their Hamilton Twp. home on Aug. 11.

Rittgers said his client has not signed a time wavier for his right to a speedy trial, which means the case must be tried in 90 days.

"I'm pushing for it," said Rittgers, adding it is unusual for a case of this severity to be tried in three months.

Hutzel also said the prosecution is pushing for a November date.

Rittgers said he has not received an autopsy report on Sarah from the Warren County Coroner's office. The report was expected this week within the four to five week time frame, but Rittgers said he is now being told it could take another two weeks.

The defense attorney said he believes the autopsy report is the key from which the prosecution will draw conclusions about Sarah's death.

The attorney said he has been searching for anything that might be used as a motive by the prosecution, but has found nothing. Rittgers did note that a motive is not needed to get a conviction.

Rittgers said Widmer has "no clue" why anyone could believe he had a motive to kill his wife. The attorney said others he has talked to who knew the couple have said the same thing.

The attorney said he may file a motion in the next couple days to compel the autopsy report to be completed. Another hearing in front of the Bronson is scheduled for Oct. 22.

The prosecution filed a motion two weeks ago demanding that Widmer produce the laptop issued to him by his employer, the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Arnold claims in the motion that the laptop was "documented as being present" in Widmer's home when medical personnel responded to his home the night Sarah was found dead.

A judge has also ordered Bethesda Medical Center at Arrow Springs in Lebanon to turn over any medical records it had relating to Sarah's treatment the night of her death.

The records may shed light on inconsistencies in Widmer's statements that he pulled his wife from the bathtub and those made by Hamilton Twp. police officer Quillan Short in an affidavit.

Short said that upon arriving at the Widmer house, emergency workers found Sarah Widmer on the floor and that she "was nude and only her hair was wet. The carpet underneath her body was dry."

The affidavit also stated there were two blood stains — one around her head and one near her vaginal area.

Rittgers said Wednesday the blood may have come from capillaries that burst when Sarah drown in the bathtub. Widmer said his wife was known to fall asleep in the tub.

Widmer was removed from paid leave on Monday, Sept. 15. He works in sports marketing and will remain on unpaid leave until the criminal case against him is completed.

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/24/hjn092508widmer.html

[SaraSidle]

By Lauren Pack - September 24, 2008

Attorneys in Widmer case still expect November trial

LEBANON — Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel and Charles Rittgers, attorney for Ryan Widmer, the young husband accused of killing his wife, met in chambers today, Sept. 24, to discuss the status of the case with Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson.

Both sides emerged saying were ready for trial on Nov. 17.

Widmer, 27, is accused of drowning his 24-year-old wife, Sarah Widmer, in a bathtub at their Hamilton Twp. home on Aug. 11.

Rittgers said his client has not signed a time wavier for his right to a speedy trial, which means the case must be tried in 90 days.

"I'm pushing for it," said Rittgers, adding it is unusual for a case of this severity to be tried in three months.

Hutzel also said the prosecution is pushing for a November date.

Rittgers said he has not received an autopsy report on Sarah from the Warren County Coroner's office. The report was expected this week within the four to five week time frame, but Rittgers said he is now being told it could take another two weeks.

The defense attorney said he believes the autopsy report is the key from which the prosecution will draw conclusions about Sarah's death.

The attorney said he has been searching for anything that might be used as a motive by the prosecution, but has found nothing. Rittgers did note that a motive is not needed to get a conviction.

Rittgers said Widmer has "no clue" why anyone could believe he had a motive to kill his wife. The attorney said others he has talked to who knew the couple have said the same thing.

The attorney said he may file a motion in the next couple days to compel the autopsy report to be completed. Another hearing in front of the Bronson is scheduled for Oct. 22.

The prosecution filed a motion two weeks ago demanding that Widmer produce the laptop issued to him by his employer, the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Arnold claims in the motion that the laptop was "documented as being present" in Widmer's home when medical personnel responded to his home the night Sarah was found dead.

A judge has also ordered Bethesda Medical Center at Arrow Springs in Lebanon to turn over any medical records it had relating to Sarah's treatment the night of her death.

The records may shed light on inconsistencies in Widmer's statements that he pulled his wife from the bathtub and those made by Hamilton Twp. police officer Quillan Short in an affidavit.

Short said that upon arriving at the Widmer house, emergency workers found Sarah Widmer on the floor and that she "was nude and only her hair was wet. The carpet underneath her body was dry."

The affidavit also stated there were two blood stains — one around her head and one near her vaginal area.

Rittgers said Wednesday the blood may have come from capillaries that burst when Sarah drown in the bathtub. Widmer said his wife was known to fall asleep in the tub.

Widmer was removed from paid leave on Monday, Sept. 15. He works in sports marketing and will remain on unpaid leave until the criminal case against him is completed.

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/09/24/hjn092508widmer.html

No motive. how weird.

[susie31023]

Something that just doesn't add up. If he found her in the tub it seems as if he would have just grabbed her up out of it with out taking time to dry her off first.It seems like the carpet would have been soaked around the tub area where he took her out. So even if he dried her off after he got her out there is no way the carpet would have been dry that quick. He could have accidentally hit her head when he took her out, but the carpet sticks out as a red flag to me. I'm not understanding what they mean by there was evidence of a struggle.

Wish we knew a little more. No motive and the family standing behind him is another puzzle. Not saying he killed her but either the officer and medics lied or he's not telling the whole truth. JMO

[odette]

Autopsy report still pending

Blood-test results awaited in bathtub drowning

Warren County prosecutors have provided about 350 pages of evidence to the lawyer for Ryan Widmer, accused in the bathtub drowning of his 24-year-old wife, but an autopsy report still isn't among those records.

Excerpt: Further, Rittgers said he thinks investigators have been unable to find any solid motive for why Ryan Widmer, 27, would have killed his wife of less than four months. By all accounts, the couple appeared to have a happy and loving relationship.

But Hutzel repeated a previous comment that people don't know what happens between couples in private, and that cases of violence between intimate partners frequently do come as a surprise to relatives and friends.

Although the law doesn't require prosecutors to prove a motive, juries and the public do expect to know why a person committed a murder, Hutzel said.

Continued @ link ...

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS01/809250366

[SaraSidle]

Autopsy report still pending

Blood-test results awaited in bathtub drowning

Warren County prosecutors have provided about 350 pages of evidence to the lawyer for Ryan Widmer, accused in the bathtub drowning of his 24-year-old wife, but an autopsy report still isn't among those records.

Excerpt: Further, Rittgers said he thinks investigators have been unable to find any solid motive for why Ryan Widmer, 27, would have killed his wife of less than four months. By all accounts, the couple appeared to have a happy and loving relationship.

But Hutzel repeated a previous comment that people don't know what happens between couples in private, and that cases of violence between intimate partners frequently do come as a surprise to relatives and friends.

Although the law doesn't require prosecutors to prove a motive, juries and the public do expect to know why a person committed a murder, Hutzel said.

Continued @ link ...

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080925/NEWS01/809250366

maybe she found out something she was not supposed to know about him.
Kind of like the Hacking couple. IMO

[One2Snoop]

maybe she found out something she was not supposed to know about him.
Kind of like the Hacking couple. IMO

The Entwistle case comes to mind to.

[SaraSidle]

The Entwistle case comes to mind to.

Yes. thank goodness there are no children!!!!!!!!!!!imo

[odette]

Lawyer fights for evidence

If bathtub-drowning suspect Ryan Widmer had been in a car accident and was sued, he could get "any and all documents relevant to the case, and there are no surprises," his lawyer said.

But because Widmer faces criminal charges - accused of killing his 24-year-old wife in their Hamilton Township bathtub - the court rules are very different.

In Ohio criminal cases, a statewide court rule prevents defense lawyers such as Charlie Rittgers from getting witness statements, police reports and other information that would be shared without question in a car-wreck lawsuit.

Rittgers thinks that's wrong.

Continued @ Link ...

http://news.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081001/NEWS0107/810010325

[odette]

Coroner Completes Widmer Autopsy Report

Continued @ Link ...

http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story.aspx?content_id=4b61bfe2-d0ea-429b-9492-cbc307f15001

[SaraSidle]

Coroner Completes Widmer Autopsy Report

Continued @ Link ...

http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story.aspx?content_id=4b61bfe2-d0ea-429b-9492-cbc307f15001

Very interesting. Too bad we have to wait.........for the results. sara

[susie31023]

Very interesting. Too bad we have to wait.........for the results. sara

I agree Sara. I wonder why all the secrecy? If he did in fact murder her I hope they have enough to convict him. So many cases like this lately. Has everyone forgot you can divorce your spouse if you don't want to be with them?:shrug: Grrrrrrrr, just makes me angry...:flamemad:

[Notknowingall]

I agree Sara. I wonder why all the secrecy? If he did in fact murder her I hope they have enough to convict him. So many cases like this lately. Has everyone forgot you can divorce your spouse if you don't want to be with them?:shrug: Grrrrrrrr, just makes me angry...:flamemad:

I guess I don't understand why these guys feel the need to murder their wives. As a husband and being divorced once before, it is not THAT big of a deal. Alimony is pretty much a thing of the past unless the spouse gives up a decent job to stay home. Child support is money that you would spend on the kids anyways. These people just really irk me to no end. IMO

[susie31023]

I guess I don't understand why these guys feel the need to murder their wives. As a husband and being divorced once before, it is not THAT big of a deal. Alimony is pretty much a thing of the past unless the spouse gives up a decent job to stay home. Child support is money that you would spend on the kids anyways. These people just really irk me to no end. IMO

NKA, as you said there really isn't a need for all the worry and anger over alimony as it is pretty much taken out of the picture. So why do these guys marry? For insurance? I don't know but it just seems as if we are seeing these types of cases so often that it really makes me wonder what the heck has happened in this country..JMO

[Notknowingall]

NKA, as you said there really isn't a need for all the worry and anger over alimony as it is pretty much taken out of the picture. So why do these guys marry? For insurance? I don't know but it just seems as if we are seeing these types of cases so often that it really makes me wonder what the heck has happened in this country..JMO

That is a big question isn't it? You would think that by now they would realize that most get caught anyways. Is it really worth the couple hundred thousand dollars they might get? In my mind it isn't but who knows what they are thinking.

[susie31023]

That is a big question isn't it? You would think that by now they would realize that most get caught anyways. Is it really worth the couple hundred thousand dollars they might get? In my mind it isn't but who knows what they are thinking.

NKA, I think thats the problem they aren't thinking. It just seems as if the value of a human life has become nothing to these people..I'm just trying to figure when it became a common occurrence for these types of crimes...And why we didn't see it coming...Well I guess we can see how it could happen. Our laws now protect more guilty than innocent, IMO...

[INGASON14]

I guess I don't understand why these guys feel the need to murder their wives. As a husband and being divorced once before, it is not THAT big of a deal. Alimony is pretty much a thing of the past unless the spouse gives up a decent job to stay home. Child support is money that you would spend on the kids anyways. These people just really irk me to no end. IMO

I got divorced from my exhubby in 92 because he was an abuser. He was the one that told me he was going for alimony. I laughed because I was going for child support. He had a choice go for alimony or pay 50.00 a week for 5 kids child support.

[SaraSidle]

I agree Sara. I wonder why all the secrecy? If he did in fact murder her I hope they have enough to convict him. So many cases like this lately. Has everyone forgot you can divorce your spouse if you don't want to be with them?:shrug: Grrrrrrrr, just makes me angry...:flamemad:

All I can think of is she had or was going to find out something negative about him and murder was faster and more silent. IMO sara

[Notknowingall]

All I can think of is she had or was going to find out something negative about him and murder was faster and more silent. IMO sara

Even if that is were the case...No matter how bad and embarassing it would have been, it still isn't worth killing over. You take your lumps and move on. Sorry but I am so sick and tired of these "men" killing their wives lately. Gives the rest of us guys a bad rep.:flamemad:

[SaraSidle]

I got divorced from my exhubby in 92 because he was an abuser. He was the one that told me he was going for alimony. I laughed because I was going for child support. He had a choice go for alimony or pay 50.00 a week for 5 kids child support.

I am so sorry you had to go through that. I cannot even imagine. sara:rose:

[SaraSidle]

Even if that is were the case...No matter how bad and embarassing it would have been, it still isn't worth killing over. You take your lumps and move on. Sorry but I am so sick and tired of these "men" killing their wives lately. Gives the rest of us guys a bad rep.:flamemad:

IMO Mark Hacking killed Lori Hacking because she had learned he was lying all over the place..............IMO I guess some people think differently. I am sure women also practice it but problem more men and it is more publicized .
Sara

[susie31023]

Even if that is were the case...No matter how bad and embarassing it would have been, it still isn't worth killing over. You take your lumps and move on. Sorry but I am so sick and tired of these "men" killing their wives lately. Gives the rest of us guys a bad rep.:flamemad:

NKA, I don't think anyone could give you a bad rep..:rose:, I know what you mean though, seems as if some have just gone nuts...

[SaraSidle]

NKA, I don't think anyone could give you a bad rep..:rose:, I know what you mean though, seems as if some have just gone nuts...

yeah it is hard to understand why someone would kill their spouse over a lie. My DH and i have never had secrets. and I agree with susie. this does not resemble you for a minute NKA.

[odette]

Autopsy report in Widmer case released to attorneys

LEBANON — Autopsy and toxicology reports for Sarah Widmer have been completed and are now in the possession of the Warren County Prosecutor's office and the defense attorney for the young husband accused of killing her.

But all are mum on the details. Charles Rittgers, defense attorney for Ryan Widmer, who is charged with aggravated murder, maintains his client's innocence,

Widmer, 27, is accused of drowning his 24-year-old wife, Sarah Widmer, in a bathtub at their Hamilton Twp. home on Aug. 11.

Last week, Rittgers filed a motion to compel the coroner's office and the state to turn over the autopsy report, as well as other evidence against his client.

"The discovery provided by the state did not include police reports, witness statements, or anything that would provide a clue as to what supports the prosecution's theory," Rittgers said in the motion filed Sept. 29. "Defense counsel, through independent research, is aware that the Warren County Coroner, Dr. Russell Uptegrove, testified at the grand jury proceedings that led to Ryan's indictment. Without the autopsy report of the transcript of Dr. Uptegrove's testimony at the grand jury proceedings, defense counsel is left to blindly guess at the state's basis for alleging that Ryan caused the death of Sarah."

Continued @ Link ...

http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/10/hjn101108widmer.html

[SaraSidle]

Autopsy report in Widmer case released to attorneys

LEBANON — Autopsy and toxicology reports for Sarah Widmer have been completed and are now in the possession of the Warren County Prosecutor's office and the defense attorney for the young husband accused of killing her.

But all are mum on the details. Charles Rittgers, defense attorney for Ryan Widmer, who is charged with aggravated murder, maintains his client's innocence,

Widmer, 27, is accused of drowning his 24-year-old wife, Sarah Widmer, in a bathtub at their Hamilton Twp. home on Aug. 11.

Last week, Rittgers filed a motion to compel the coroner's office and the state to turn over the autopsy report, as well as other evidence against his client.

"The discovery provided by the state did not include police reports, witness statements, or anything that would provide a clue as to what supports the prosecution's theory," Rittgers said in the motion filed Sept. 29. "Defense counsel, through independent research, is aware that the Warren County Coroner, Dr. Russell Uptegrove, testified at the grand jury proceedings that led to Ryan's indictment. Without the autopsy report of the transcript of Dr. Uptegrove's testimony at the grand jury proceedings, defense counsel is left to blindly guess at the state's basis for alleging that Ryan caused the death of Sarah."

Continued @ Link ...

http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/10/hjn101108widmer.html

Well I am sure hoping they have enough to convict but I am not sure of the motive............imo sara

[grneyes]

I'm not convinced this guy did it. I want to hear more before deciding how I feel but going only on what I have heard/read I don't think he did.

[SaraSidle]

I'm not convinced this guy did it. I want to hear more before deciding how I feel but going only on what I have heard/read I don't think he did.

I am just thinking out loud here grneyes but he must have some reason or LE would not spend the time or money. I bet the autopsy shows a lot. IMO

[grneyes]

I am just thinking out loud here grneyes but he must have some reason or LE would not spend the time or money. I bet the autopsy shows a lot. IMO

Oh I know Sara. That's what I'm doing too. :)
I hope we hear the results soon. Since LE didn't know why she died they kind of had to take the time to find out what happened. And for the family, no matter if he did it or not, they definitely want to know what happened.

[susie31023]

Oh I know Sara. That's what I'm doing too. :)
I hope we hear the results soon. Since LE didn't know why she died they kind of had to take the time to find out what happened. And for the family, no matter if he did it or not, they definitely want to know what happened.

I agree GE and Sara, I wish they would give us the results of the autopsy. I know they wont but something is making them feel like he did kill her. Now whether it is just a mistake on their part or if they actually have proof remains to be seen. Unfortunately we are seeing so many of these cases that the first instinct is to jump to the conclusion the spouse did it..Either way it is incredibly sad to know this young lady died before her life had time to begin~Suz

[grneyes]

I agree GE and Sara, I wish they would give us the results of the autopsy. I know they wont but something is making them feel like he did kill her. Now whether it is just a mistake on their part or if they actually have proof remains to be seen. Unfortunately we are seeing so many of these cases that the first instinct is to jump to the conclusion the spouse did it..Either way it is incredibly sad to know this young lady died before her life had time to begin~Suz

There's a case going on in Indiana right now where this girl died, (her bf was charged with her murder). One or 2 weeks later her sister mysteriously died. (1st sisters bf was a suspect also) Now they aren't so sure the boyfriend did kill the first girl but the body was creamated <sp?> so they can't do another . But some believe it might have been something hereditary that killed the sisters because of what was found in the 2nd sisters results. Now the whole case is a mess because no one is sure about anything.....

[SaraSidle]

There's a case going on in Indiana right now where this girl died, (her bf was charged with her murder). One or 2 weeks later her sister mysteriously died. (1st sisters bf was a suspect also) Now they aren't so sure the boyfriend did kill the first girl but the body was creamated <sp?> so they can't do another . But some believe it might have been something hereditary that killed the sisters because of what was found in the 2nd sisters results. Now the whole case is a mess because no one is sure about anything.....

Oh grneyes what a mess. I am trying not to believe that the husband did not murder his wife so soon!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yours is a lot more complicated. I hope you let us know...............sara

[grneyes]

Oh grneyes what a mess. I am trying not to believe that the husband did not murder his wife so soon!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yours is a lot more complicated. I hope you let us know...............sara

Yeah I'm really curious as to how it turns out especially since it happened in the area I used to live in and where a lot of my family still lives.

Oh, and they died 6 days apart.

There is actually a lot of info about it at websleuths.
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=131

The boyfriend is still the #1 suspect for many because of the type of person he was.

[SaraSidle]

Yeah I'm really curious as to how it turns out especially since it happened in the area I used to live in and where a lot of my family still lives.

Oh, and they died 6 days apart.

There is actually a lot of info about it at websleuths.
http://www.websleuths.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=131

The boyfriend is still the #1 suspect for many because of the type of person he was.

Very strange grneyes

[odette]

Guest Book for Sarah A. Widmer

http://www.legacy.com/Lebanon/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=115581193&PageNo=1

[odette]

Attorney wants grand jury testimony in bathtub death

LEBANON — The defense attorney for Ryan Widmer, the Hamilton Twp. man accused of killing his wife of three-months by drowning her in the bathtub, is asking a judge to release grand jury testimony by the county coroner he believes is essential to defending his client.

Continued @ Link

http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/20/hjn102108widmer.html

[One2Snoop]

There's a case going on in Indiana right now where this girl died, (her bf was charged with her murder). One or 2 weeks later her sister mysteriously died. (1st sisters bf was a suspect also) Now they aren't so sure the boyfriend did kill the first girl but the body was creamated <sp?> so they can't do another . But some believe it might have been something hereditary that killed the sisters because of what was found in the 2nd sisters results. Now the whole case is a mess because no one is sure about anything.....

I'm certain we had a thread going here on this case - do you recall their names?

I thought the boyfriend had been cleared but of course I follow so many cases they all seem to jumble together at times. :confused:

[One2Snoop]

Attorney wants grand jury testimony in bathtub death

LEBANON — The defense attorney for Ryan Widmer, the Hamilton Twp. man accused of killing his wife of three-months by drowning her in the bathtub, is asking a judge to release grand jury testimony by the county coroner he believes is essential to defending his client.

Continued @ Link

http://www.western-star.com/n/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/20/hjn102108widmer.html

For whatever reason I'm not ready to jump the gun on this case - something just isn't settling right with me about Ryan being involved in Sarah's death. Maybe its the lack of info, I don't know but how many cases have we read or heard about where the groom off's his wife in the first 3 months? :shrug: I don't recall any - doesn't mean there aren't any but its very far and few between. Bizarre case. JMO

[susie31023]

For whatever reason I'm not ready to jump the gun on this case - something just isn't settling right with me about Ryan being involved in Sarah's death. Maybe its the lack of info, I don't know but how many cases have we read or heard about where the groom off's his wife in the first 3 months? :shrug: I don't recall any - doesn't mean there aren't any but its very far and few between. Bizarre case. JMO

I agree O2S, I at first thought maybe this was just another man who murdered his wife, but now I'm really not too sure. It seems as if there is no evidence to point toward him. I'm kinda wondering if maybe the LE jumped the gun on this one. Unless we get more info I'm inclined to believe that just may be the case. There just doesn't seem to be much to go on in this case at all, in my opinion.

[grneyes]

I'm certain we had a thread going here on this case - do you recall their names?

I thought the boyfriend had been cleared but of course I follow so many cases they all seem to jumble together at times. :confused:

Erin Stanley was the first sister to die, then Kelly Stanley. James McFarland was/is? the suspect in Erin's death. Last I heard (on Sept 19th) they were re-examining the evidence and that the trial had been postponed to Feb 09. If things have changed since then I'm not aware of it so if anyone does know please post an update.

[SaraSidle]

Erin Stanley was the first sister to die, then Kelly Stanley. James McFarland was/is? the suspect in Erin's death. Last I heard (on Sept 19th) they were re-examining the evidence and that the trial had been postponed to Feb 09. If things have changed since then I'm not aware of it so if anyone does know please post an update.

I read all that and all I know is at this time they are waiting for the evidence testing. I believe the first sisrer was cremated too. IMO sara

[grneyes]

I read all that and all I know is at this time they are waiting for the evidence testing. I believe the first sisrer was cremated too. IMO sara

Yes, Erin was cremated also which isn't really helping this case for either side.

[SaraSidle]

Yes, Erin was cremated also which isn't really helping this case for either side.

Really wondering if it was genetic????????

[grneyes]

Really wondering if it was genetic????????

Some do think that is a possibility which is why they are re-examining what they do have. But if it were, would it be set off in both within 5 days? Unless the stress of Erin's death set off Kelly's? I guess that could be possible....:shrug:

[SaraSidle]

Some do think that is a possibility which is why they are re-examining what they do have. But if it were, would it be set off in both within 5 days? Unless the stress of Erin's death set off Kelly's? I guess that could be possible....:shrug:

yeah it is like looking for a needle in a haystack but I would love to hear what the new husband says in detail too. how could she be dry???

[grneyes]

yeah it is like looking for a needle in a haystack but I would love to hear what the new husband says in detail too. how could she be dry???

It really doesn't take long for someone to dry naturally. Think about it, if you go swimming and get out of the water without drying yourself, you are usually dry in just a few minutes except for your clothes and hair.

The temperature and humidity would also affect drying time and considering it happened in August it would have been fairly warm.

Do we know how long it took for medics to get there after the call was made?

[SaraSidle]

It really doesn't take long for someone to dry naturally. Think about it, if you go swimming and get out of the water without drying yourself, you are usually dry in just a few minutes except for your clothes and hair.

The temperature and humidity would also affect drying time and considering it happened in August it would have been fairly warm.

Do we know how long it took for medics to get there after the call was made?

I am not sure of that point and it would be good to know. I will look for it because LE also said there was bruising I thought. It was a while back and I am so into Caylee the mind gets confused..........

[odette]

Judge rejects evidence argument in Ohio tub death

LEBANON, Ohio (AP) — A judge has rejected a defense lawyer’s attempt to obtain more of the prosecution’s evidence against a southwest Ohio man accused of drowning his wife in a bathtub.

Twenty-seven-year-old Ryan Widmer is charged with aggravated murder in the August death of his 24-year-old wife, Sarah Widmer. He has pleaded not guilty and says his wife often fell asleep in the tub.

Defense lawyer Charlie Rittgers claimed he was unfairly blocked from seeing all the evidence against Widmer, including the coroner’s grand jury testimony.

Warren County Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson upheld the consitutitionality of the trial rule Wednesday that blocked the defense from seeing certain evidence. But he postponed ruling on another motion until the defense interviews the coroner.

http://www.portclintonnewsherald.com/article/20081022/UPDATES01/81022013

[odette]

WARREN COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT

Defense attorney in bathtub death to meet with coroner

Warren County coroner's testimony is only one that asserted Sarah Widmer's death is homicide.

LEBANON — The defense attorney for Ryan Widmer, the Hamilton Twp. man accused of killing his wife of three months by drowning her in the bathtub, will meet with Warren County Coroner Russell Uptegrove Friday, Oct. 24, but a decision by a judge to release the doctor's grand jury testimony will not come until after that interview.

Attorney Charles Rittgers and Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel met in Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson's chambers today, Oct. 22, to discuss motions in the case. The aggravated murder trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 17.

Rittgers said the autopsy report indicates the emergency medical technicians who responded Aug. 11 noted there was no trauma to the 24-year-old woman's body. Likewise, the emergency room records note no trauma and the coroner's investigator's notes indicate no obvious signs of trauma, Rittgers said.

"Yet, four days later, Dr. Uptegrove (Warren County Coroner) testified at the grand jury. The Warren County prosecutor announced to the press that Sarah Widmer died a violent death, and as a result, Ryan Widmer has been indicted for aggravated murder," Rittgers said in the motion filed last week requesting Uptegrove's grand jury testimony. "The autopsy report which was completed and sent to counsel two weeks ago does not indicate the manner of death or how Dr. Uptegrove came to the conclusion that Sarah Widmer was murdered. Obviously Dr. Uptegrove's testimony before the grand jury elaborated on his theory of death, which led to Ryan's indictment, but is omitted for the autopsy report. The defense has no idea as to his theories and cannot adequately prepare a response without disclosure."

Widmer, 27, is accused of drowning his wife, an Edgewood High School graduate, in a bathtub at their Hamilton Twp. home on Aug. 11.

Rittgers said again today, the coroner is the key to the prosecution's case.

"He is the witness for the prosecution," Rittgers said. "There is nothing other than his testimony."

The attorney said he needs to interview Uptegrove to find out his theory about how Sarah Widmer died.

"There is an innocent reason what happened as opposed to a sinister one," Rittgers said, but declined to elaborate about the details of the autopsy report.

Hutzel noted she has already presented the case to one jury — the grand jury — and they found probable cause.

The prosecutor also called the defense's theory that Sarah's death was accidental when she fell asleep in the bathtub "farfetched."

http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/10/22/hjn102308widmer.html

[odette]

Bathtub case decision delayed

Warren County Coroner Russell Uptegrove's grand jury testimony about the bathtub-drowning of Sarah Widmer will remain secret until a judge finds out whether her husband's defense lawyer is satisfied with Uptegrove's disclosures in an interview set for Friday.

That was the outcome of a behind-closed-doors meeting that defense lawyer Charlie Rittgers and Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel held with Judge Neal Bronson today in Common Pleas Court. Defendant Ryan Widmer and two supporters waited in the hallway.

• Article Continued

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081022/NEWS0107/810220310

[odette]

Bathtub death case going to court

LEBANON - Warren County's bathtub-drowning case, in which a newlywed man is accused of kiling his wife, heads to court again today, as lawyers prepare for a trial that has been scheduled for Monday.

Sports-marketer Ryan Widmer, now 28, is accused of aggravated murder in the Aug. 11 drowning of his wife, Sarah, a 24-year-old dental hygienist, in their Hamilton Township bathtub. Widmer told a dispatcher that his wife often fell asleep in the tub, and he suggested that happened on the night she died.

• Article Continued

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081112/NEWS0107/311110039

[odette]

Hearing Today For Husband Charged In Bathtub Death

http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=947acd29-86d4-4474-b33c-7a71038616d1

[odette]

Updated: Trial In Bathtub Drowning Case Moved To March

Husband Accused Of Killing Wife

LEBANON -- The trial of a man accused of drowning his wife in the couple's bathtub won't begin this month after all.

Sarah Widmer was found dead in the couple's home in August, four months after she and Ryan Widmer were married.

Ryan Widmer was charged with murder after a grand jury indicted him, in part due to evidence presented by the Warren County coroner.

But that evidence hasn't been provided to Widmer's defense attorney, and he said he can't effectively defend Widmer without it.

Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel said she's done nothing wrong by withholding the testimony, which she said wouldn't help exonerate Widmer anyway.

Widmer contends that his wife drowned after falling asleep in the bathtub. His family and hers have publicly supported him and his explanation about what happened.

Prosecutors don't deny that Sarah Widmer drowned, but said that there were signs of a violent struggle before her death, including blood found on and under her body.

A police report also stated that while Sarah Widmer's hair was wet, her body was dry when officers arrived.

At the hearing Wednesday morning, prosecutors asked for and were granted a continuance to delay the trial until March. Hutzel is expected to talk later Wednesday about her reasons for the move.

The trial is now scheduled to start March 23.

http://www.wlwt.com/news/17962245/detail.html

[odette]

WARREN COUNTY COMMON PLEAS COURT

Bathtub drowning trial delayed over surprise autopsy

Prosecutors only recently learned of 2nd examination, high-profile expert witness.

LEBANON — The trial of a newlywed accused of killing his wife of three months by drowning her in a bathtub has been continued due to the recent addition of defense witnesses including a nationally known doctor who performed a second autopsy on the woman's body in a funeral home.

Ryan Widmer, 27, was scheduled to face a jury in Warren County Common Pleas Court on Monday, Nov. 17. He's accused of murder in the August death of Sarah Widmer at their Hamilton Twp. home.

But after a pretrial conference on Wednesday, Nov. 12, the trial was postponed until March 23.

The prosecution requested the continuance for additional time to prepare for testimony of three experts they say the defense did not disclose would be a part of their case until recently.

One of those witnesses is Dr. Werner Spitz, a high profile Michigan forensic pathologist who performed a second autopsy on the 24-year-old woman at the funeral home just days after Warren County Coroner Dr. Russell Uptegrove performed his autopsy.

Uptegrove, also a forensic pathologist, determined the woman's death was a homicide and there had been a violent struggle.

Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel said that until Oct. 30 she was unaware a second autopsy has been performed on Sarah Widmer's body and that Spitz as well as other witnesses — experts in training emergency medical technicians — would be testifying. EMTs responded to the Widmer home after Ryan Widmer called 911.

Spitz of St. Clair Shores, Mich., testified for the defense in the music producer Phil Spector's murder trial in Los Angeles and performed autopsies in other high-profile cases, including the death of Colorado girl JonBenet Ramsey, the stabbing death of football star O.J. Simpson's wife Nichole Brown-Simpson and Mary Jo Kopechne, who drowned when Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., drove a car off a bridge in 1969.

Last month, defense attorney Charles Rittgers filed a motion to compel the prosecution to produce Uptegrove's autopsy report that he said is vital to prepare his case. When the report was released to Rittgers and the prosecution, the defense attorney then wanted the transcript of testimony Uptegrove gave to the grand jury that indicted his client.

Rittgers pointed to the autopsy report that indicated emergency medical technicians who responded to the Widmer's home in Hamilton Twp. on Aug. 11 noted there was no trauma to the body of the 24-year-old Edgewood High School graduate. Likewise, the emergency room records note no trauma and the coroner's investigator's notes indicate no obvious signs of trauma, Rittgers said.

Rittgers and families of both Ryan and Sarah maintain her death was accidental when she fell asleep in the bathtub.

"Yet, four days later, Dr. Uptegrove testified at the grand jury. The Warren County prosecutor announced to the press that Sarah Widmer died a violent death, and as a result, Ryan Widmer has been indicted for aggravated murder," Rittgers said in a motion.

Rittgers was permitted to interview Uptegrove, which Hutzel said is very unusual, but did not get the grand jury testimony that is traditionally kept secret.

"Never once during all that talk about the autopsy did (Rittgers) mention there was a second autopsy," Hutzel said.

She said the prosecution requested delaying the trial because they have to have adequate time to prepare for the expert witness, "as both the defense and prosecution are entitled to."

Hutzel said the prosecution was ready for Monday's trial until getting the late discovery from the defense.

On Wednesday, Widmer sat with his family for about 20 minutes in the courtroom before Hutzel and Rittgers emerged from the judge's chambers. He said little, appeared anxious, wringing his hands. His wedding ring was still on his ring finger.

Rittgers said his client, who has lost 40 pounds since his wife's death, is disappointed by the delay. He had family traveling to Ohio to support him during the trial. "He wants it over with," Rittgers said.

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/11/13/hjn111308widmer.html

[odette]

. . . . . http://i38.tinypic.com/2hxozuv.jpg
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ryan Widmer

http://www.oxfordpress.com/hp/content/oh/story/news/local/2008/11/13/46679611_ws020107ryanwidmer.html

[odette]

Widmer Defense Gets High-Profile Doctor As Witness

http://www.kypost.com/content/wcposhared/story.aspx?content_id=7b8ad23b-a43c-4e73-9d62-8c80cb8f2850

[odette]

Bathtub trial reset for March

Changed after prosecutors saw witness list

The trial of Ryan Widmer was all set to begin Monday, until prosecutors learned they were facing a big-name defense witness - a doctor who has been involved in some of the nation's most celebrated cases, including the O.J. Simpson trial, the JonBenet Ramsey slaying and the murder trial of music mogul Phil Spector.

Widmer, 28, is accused of killing his wife, Sarah, 24, in their Hamilton Township bathtub on Aug. 11, just shy of four months after getting married.

On Wednesday, a judge agreed to a request from Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel to delay the trial, now set for March 23. She asked for time to learn more about defense witnesses, including Dr. Werner U. Spitz, who was brought in to conduct a second autopsy on Sarah Widmer's body.

Spitz, in his 80s, is a nationally known forensic pathologist who has practiced for 56 years.

He has been a chief medical examiner and is a professor, and has written a widely used textbook. Spitz also has testified to the U.S. House about the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy and the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

• Article Continued

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081113/NEWS0107/811130334

[odette]

Murder case takes toll on family

MASON – Jill Widmer had hoped that a family nightmare would be at least partly over soon. Her son’s trial in the bathtub-drowning of his wife had been set for next week.

But on Wednesday, a Warren County judge put the trial on hold until March 23 – and that means four more months of anguish for a mother who believes in her son’s innocence.

“It’s all very sad and very emotional,” Jill Widmer said today. “And as a mother, you want to do anything you can to take the hurt away from your kids…I feel like I’m existing through life right now, not living through life. I’m waiting for this time to be over.”

Her 28-year-old son, Ryan Widmer faces a charge of aggravated murder in the death of his wife, Sarah. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

Looking ahead to months of legal wrangling, Jill Widmer realizes that all she can do for her son is to show him love, console him and pray with him.

“He prays for Sarah and he also prays that the truth will come out,” she said. “I keep waiting for God to reveal what we’re supposed to learn from this situation. I truly don’t believe we would have been able to get through this situation without the belief that we have in God.”

• Article Continued

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20081113/NEWS0107/311130105

[odette]

Mother's anguish has no respite

Delay of bathtub-death trial prolongs the nightmare

MASON - Jill Widmer had hoped that a family nightmare would be at least partly over soon. Her son's trial in the bathtub drowning of his wife had been set for next week.

But Wednesday, a Warren County judge put the trial on hold until March 23 - and that means four more months of anguish for a mother who believes in her son's innocence.

"It's all very sad and very emotional," Jill Widmer said Thursday. "And as a mother, you want to do anything you can to take the hurt away from your kids. ... I feel like I'm existing through life right now, not living through life. I'm waiting for this time to be over."

Her 28-year-old son, Ryan Widmer, faces a charge of aggravated murder in the death of his wife, Sarah. If convicted, he could be sentenced to 20 years to life in prison.

Looking ahead to months of legal wrangling, Jill Widmer realizes that all she can do for her son is to show him love, console him and pray with him.

"He prays for Sarah and he also prays that the truth will come out," she said. "I keep waiting for God to reveal what we're supposed to learn from this situation. I truly don't believe we would have been able to get through this situation without the belief that we have in God."

The Widmers' lives, which used to revolve around careers, sporting events and family social gatherings, plunged into the unfamiliar world of the criminal-justice system when Sarah Widmer, 24, died Aug. 11.

Suddenly, police, death investigators, lawyers, judges, bail bondsmen, prosecutors, jailers, probation officers, news reporters and other strangers became part of their lives.

Two days after Sarah's death, police filed charges accusing Ryan of murder. A grand jury indicted him later that week on the aggravated-murder charge.

Authorities say they found internal injuries indicating Sarah died after a violent struggle with Ryan, and that an accident couldn't have caused the injuries. But Widmer's supporters think Sarah may have suffered from an undiagnosed seizure disorder or some other problem that led to an accidental death.

Expert opinions from two separate autopsies remain undisclosed for now and likely won't be revealed until trial.

Meanwhile, Jill Widmer said friends, relatives and even strangers continue to assert their belief in her son's innocence. That support has helped her get through the past three months.

But other people have posted opinions on the Internet, saying they're convinced of Ryan's guilt.

"A lot of people assume that if they see someone get arrested that the person's guilty ... but there's a lot more to things" than is reported through the news media, Jill Widmer said.

Since her son was accused, "There isn't a day that goes by without him saying, 'Mom, why are they doing this to me?' " Jill Widmer said.

Her response: "I don't know, Ryan. I don't know why."

She envisions the next four months will be as trying as the last three have been. Her son's wife of less than four months is dead. His job with the Convention & Visitors Bureau is on hold. He has no income.

The $187,000 home the Widmer couple bought in Hamilton Township probably will go into foreclosure. Widmer stands to lose everything he owns.

It pains Jill Widmer to see her son missing his wife.

As soon as he was released from jail Aug. 22 - on a $400,000 bond posted with the help of supporters - Ryan asked his mom, "Where's my wedding ring?"

He has worn the silver-toned band ever since.

"It's a way to keep some part of her with him," Jill Widmer said. "They were at my home the day before she passed away and there were absolutely no problems then. I honestly have never seen a love between two people like Sarah and Ryan had for each other."

Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel, however, has said what goes on behind closed doors in a couple's home is often unknown to anyone else.

Sarah Widmer was buried a few weeks ago in a private service.

But Jill Widmer said her son cannot rest. He remains preoccupied with missing his wife and wondering what will happen to him, she said.

"They could drop the charges tomorrow, or whatever, but he knows that, without Sarah, his life will never be the same again," she said.

http://m.cincinnati.com/news.jsp?key=168294&rc=lo&p=2

[grneyes]

I am just passing but I visited a while ago. Good guy? I don't think so.

He did it. There you go. My expert opinion. But I reckon I'm right.:cool:

I may change my mind once we hear more evidence but as it stands now, I don't think he did. :shrug:

[deputydi]

I may change my mind once we hear more evidence but as it stands now, I don't think he did. :shrug:
I'm with you. Until we know more, I don't think he did it either.

[wakko926]

Has there been any more info on this case?

[One2Snoop]

Has there been any more info on this case?

Just whats posted above. Odette's really good at keeping up on the updates so this is all we have for now.

[One2Snoop]

I may change my mind once we hear more evidence but as it stands now, I don't think he did. :shrug:

I'm with you. Until we know more, I don't think he did it either.

I'm with you both on this - still sitting on the fence.

[One2Snoop]

12TH DISTRICT COURT OF APPEALS
Warren County prosecutor appeals retrial for Widmer
Hutzel seeks a delay on the setting of new trial date in the drowning case.

By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 7:23 PM Wednesday, July 29, 2009


LEBANON — Warren County prosecutors have appealed a retrial in the Ryan Widmer bathtub murder case Wednesday, July 29, on grounds the judge violated evidence rules and ignored binding precedent.

Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel has asked the 12th District Court of Appeals in Middletown to overrule Judge Neal Bronson’s decision to grant Widmer, 28, a new trial based on juror misconduct. Hutzel maintains Bronson erred by ignoring evidence rules that say affidavits by jurors regarding alleged misconduct during deliberations cannot be considered unless there is evidence from an independent source that jurors acted inappropriately.

“The trial court has defiled the sanctity of the jury room; compromised the finality of every jury verdict in Warren County, past, present and future; and has left jurors defenseless from harassment of defeated parties,” the appeal reads. “For the sake of all jurors in Warren County and for the sake of the important duties they perform, the trial court’s decision in this case must not be allowed to stand.”

In April, the jury found Widmer guilty of drowning his wife Sarah Widmer in the bathtub of their Hamilton Twp. home last August. Oddly, the drowning scene was virtually dry when first responders arrived. Several jurors, during deliberations, conducted at-home experiments to see how long it took to air-dry after bathing. Hutzel maintains they were not experiments they were life experiences and thus permissible.

Bronson found that the experiments influenced the guilty verdict and that Widmer’s Constitutional rights were violated, because his attorney couldn’t question the experimenters.

Defense’s reaction

One of Widmer’s new attorneys, Jay Clark, was livid about the appeal and said Hutzel is using this case to further her goal of becoming an appeals court judge.

snip
http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/crime/warren-county-prosecutor-appeals-retrial-for-widmer-223778.html

[One2Snoop]

Widmer released from custody as he awaits new trial
By Denise G. Callahan, Staff Writer Updated 10:23 PM Friday, September 4, 2009

LEBANON — Accused bathtub killer Ryan Widmer was released from jail today, Sept. 4, after posting a $400,000 bond and a day after an appeals court ruled he deserved a new trial.

Wearing a baseball cap pulled over his eyes, Widmer walked to a car outside the Warren County Jail with his mother, Jill Widmer, after spending the last five months in prison.

Warren County Common Pleas Judge Neal Bronson lowered Widmer’s bond to $400,000 from $1 million after meeting with his defense and the prosecution in closed chambers.

At first it seemed as if today might not be the day Widmer would be freed. His mother Jill Widmer and his attorneys went to the clerk’s office to see if the old $400,000 bond was still in effect. It wasn’t. But Widmer had a bail bondsman on hand to post the new bond, for a nonrefundable fee of $40,000.

Widmer has been in either a prison or jail cell since April when he was convicted of drowning his wife, Sarah Widmer, in the bathtub of their Hamilton Twp. home last summer.

Neither Widmer once released, nor his mother would comment, except Jill Widmer said she was feeling much better as the bond was being posted. Ryan Widmer is not on a monitor but he cannot move from his mother’s Mason home and is allowed no contact with Sarah’s family.

In July, Bronson ruled Widmer deserves a new trial after finding jury misconduct during the deliberations. The prosecution appealed the ruling.

The 12th District Court of Appeals on Thursday, Sept. 3, denied the prosecution’s motion to appeal Bronson’s decision.

Warren County Prosecutor Rachel Hutzel has not announced yet whether she’ll appeal the decision to the Ohio Supreme Court, but she didn’t like Bronson’s latest decision.

“We disagree with the bond amount set by the court for a crime of this nature,” Hutzel stated in a news release. “Regardless of this fact, we will continue forward to insure that justice is sought for Sarah Widmer.”

One of Widmer’s appellate attorneys, Pierre Bergeron, said Hutzel can only appeal the two paragraph appeals court ruling, not Bronson’s decision.

snip
http://www.oxfordpress.com/news/crime/widmer-released-from-custody-as-he-awaits-new-trial-281726.html