Prosecutor focusing on cell phone evidence in Sullivan Co. murder trial

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTHI) – Opening statements began at 8:30 Tuesday morning in a Sullivan County murder trial.Johnus Orr is accused of murdering his step-sister Tiffanie Adams and her unborn son.

During opening statements the prosecution displayed pictures of a smiling, pregnant Tiffanie Adams.

24-Hour News 8’s sister station, WTHI, said prosecutor John Springer told the court they will hear testimony which paints Adams as troubled young woman with a prescription pill problem.

Springer added the jury will learn more about Orr supplying Adams with those pills, but regardless, she did not deserve to die in such a horrible way.

Perhaps the most important evidence will surround the contents of Adams cell-phone.

“I cannot stress enough how important it is,” Springer told the jury before concluding his opening statement.

Defense Attorney, John Kesler focused heavily on a lack of evidence in the case.

“There is no DNA evidence, surveillance video or eye witnesses that put Tiffanie and Johnus together on the day in question,” said Kesler.

He asked the jury to put sympathy aside to assure justice prevails.

“Johnus is also grieving over the loss of his step-sister, but you only have one chance to make sure you get it right,” Kesler stated to the jury.

Following opening statements the prosecution called their first witness. Sean Drake, a farmer in Sullivan County, took the stand. Drake stated he found Adams’ body while harvesting corn in his field off County Road 325 East.

Around 9:30 a.m. an Indiana State Police Crime Scene Investigator took the stand. He reviewed a series of crime scene photos.

The officer identified a red jacket wrapped and tied around Adams neck. Those photos were admitted into evidence and shown to the jury, despite an objection from the defense.