AUTHOR’S NOTE: This story will be updated frequently throughout proceedings in the capital murder trial of Corey Trumbull. Refresh this page often for the latest.
CONTENT WARNING: This story contains graphic details from testimony given during a capital murder trial that some readers may find disturbing. Discretion is advised before reading.
WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL) — The second day of testimony in the capital murder trial of Corey Trumbull for the heinous torture and murder of his former girlfriend’s preteen son got underway on Wednesday morning.
Corey Allen Trumbull, 35, is charged with capital murder, murder, and tampering with physical evidence in connection to the horrific death of Logan Cline, 11, whose body was found in an abandoned car in Wichita Falls in February 2020.
The first day of testimony included several witnesses, including Cline’s grandmother, a retired detective with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and officers with the Wichita Falls Police Department who responded to the scene at the Red Roof Inn, near where Cline’s deceased body was found in February 2020.
Tuesday afternoon, August 22, saw Cline’s older sister, Lexie Cline, take the stand. She testified to the horrors she witnessed at the hands of Trumbull that were either encouraged, witnessed, or participated in by their mother and Trumbull’s co-defendant Stormy Johnson.
Testimony resumed in the capital murder trial of Trumbull on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 8:30 a.m. in the 78th District Court, with Judge Jeff McKnight presiding.
The prosecution in Trumbull’s trial is led by John Gillespie, Wichita County District Attorney, and Kyle Lessor, Assistant District Attorney. Counsel for the defense is led by William Hull and assisted by Gant Grimes, both of the Wichita County Public Defender’s Office.
A running live blog of proceedings in the capital murder trial of Corey Trumbull for Wednesday, August 23, 2023, can be found below. This story will be updated frequently.
Gillespie passed the witness to the defense for cross-examination, however, Judge McKnight requested counsel for the prosecution and defense to approach the bench. After a brief conference, Judge McKnight concluded proceedings for the day. Testimony will resume on Thursday, August 24, 2023, at 9 a.m.
4:33 p.m. — Dean testified that during the interview, it seemed as if Trumbull was hinting Johnson was responsible for Logan’s death and that detectives should be looking at Johnson regarding Logan’s death.
4:30 p.m. — Dean testified that during the second interview was the first time they were told about an alleged incident in which Logan had touched his younger half-sister. She also testified that Trumbull was unable to provide any details about these allegations or how Johnson reacted.
4:25 p.m. — In the recording, Trumbull seems to imply Johnson is responsible for Logan’s death, but he continues to avoid telling the detectives that Johnson killed her son. Trumbull continues to paint a picture of a loving relationship between himself and the victim. Shortly thereafter, the interview concludes.
4:18 p.m. — In the recording, Trumbull told detectives that Logan was a “tough little [explitive]” and that he had been looking forward to “smoking a blunt” and “talking about girls” when he got older. Trumbull continued to refer to Logan as his son.
4:15 p.m. — In the recording, Trumbull could be heard with a voice beginning to break, as if he’s crying. He told the detectives that all he’d done for the year prior to this interview was take care of Johnson and the two children. Trumbull then told detectives that he and Logan used to spar and wrestle and that afterward, he’d have scars and bruises.
4:12 p.m. — In the recording, Trumbull asked detectives what would happen if he’s charged. Detective Biederman told Trumbull that regardless of who is charged, they would be charged with murder, adding that they’re going to go wherever the evidence leads to, and there are only three possible people it could lead to.
4:00 p.m. — In the recording, Trumbull told detectives that he didn’t hit Logan and that he didn’t witness Johnson hit Logan, but he knew that Johnson had spanked Logan in the past after he allegedly touched his younger half-sister before Trumbull and Johnson began their relationship. He then said he didn’t pay attention to how many times Johnson spanked Logan.
3:57 p.m. — In the recording, Detective Biederman told Trumbull that the autopsy showed Logan was severely beaten on his face, head, arms, and buttocks, and that he was beaten so hard and for so long that he bled internally, leading to his death.
3:55 p.m. — An audio recording of the second interview with Trumbull and the two detectives is played in open court. There is no video of this interview. The interview begins with the detectives reading Trumbull his rights. The detectives told Trumbull that the autopsy results came back ruling Logan’s death a homicide from blunt-force trauma. Trumbull responded by saying, “No,” and began talking about the seizures Logan had.
3:51 p.m. — Detective Dean testified that after the autopsy results on Logan came back, it suggested Logan’s manner of death was “completely different” from what Trumbull had previously told detectives. She testified that a second interview was conducted on February 29, 2020. Jury aides are distributed among the jurors with transcripts for the second interview.
3:48 p.m. — Detective Dean testified that Trumbull initially told them Logan had run away and had friends nearby. She also testified that after detectives told him they found Logan’s body, Trumbull responded by saying, “I didn’t do it.” She also testified Trumbull said the bruising on Logan’s body was from seizures and falling in the bathtub, and that he’d never hit Logan.
3:46 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told the detectives that since he did attempt to give Logan mouth-to-mouth his DNA would likely be found on Logan, and the detectives said they understood. The video concludes and the transcripts are taken from the jurors.
3:43 p.m. — In the video, Detective Dean can be observed collecting DNA samples from Trumbull in the interrogation room.
3:38 p.m. — In the video, Detective Biederman told Trumbull that they would figure out what happened to Logan, and if there was anything else Trumbull needed to tell them, now would be the time to do so.
3:36 p.m. — In the video, when the detectives return to the interrogation room, Trumbull reveals that he has children from a previous relationship. Detective Biederman told Trumbull that his only issue with the whole situation was that nobody called the police when Logan died.
3:31 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull is left alone in the interrogation room for several minutes. At different times during his isolation, Trumbull can be heard sniffling. He can be heard saying, “Oh my God,” “I’m sorry Bubba,” and “I love you, Bubba,” while changing his posture in the chair multiple times, fidgeting, and apparently looking up at the camera.
3:27 p.m. — In the video, Detective Biederman told Trumbull that Logan’s body was going to be sent off for an autopsy. Trumbull said he “had no problem with that,” reiterating that he had nothing to do with what happened to Logan. The detectives leave the room, leaving Trumbull alone while still being filmed.
3:23 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told detectives that before he began his relationship with Stormy Johnson, she had been physical with her children before, maintaining a stance that Logan and Lexie viewed him as a father figure.
3:17 p.m. — In the video, Detective Biederman presses Trumbull about when Logan died. He asked Trumbull when the wheelchair came into play. Trumbull then changed his story, telling detectives that the wheelchair was from earlier that day. He said Logan began having seizures, and Detective Dean asked him if the seizures had just started that day, and Trumbull said yes. Trumbull then told detectives that when he got high, he had smoked weed.
3:15 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull said after the bath, Stormy got Logan dressed and put him in a wheelchair he’d found previously. He told detectives prior to Logan’s death, something happened that made him unable to move and walk like he used to.
3:13 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told detectives that after Logan died, Stormy said she’d take care of it. He said Stormy gave Logan a bath, and that he didn’t touch Logan again. He told detectives after that, he got really high. Trumbull can be observed in the video attempting to talk to detectives, but it is difficult to understand due to how emotional he is.
3:10 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull is sobbing as he answers questions from the detectives. He tells the detectives that he loved Logan and he was his “best friend.”
3:07 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull tells detectives that Logan started convulsing and he attempted to give him CPR, then that Logan regained his breath but began spitting up black stuff. He did not mention any abuse or beatings prior to the convulsions.
3:05 p.m. — In the video, Detective Biederman told Trumbull they found Logan. Trumbull asked where they found him, and detectives responded that they thought he would know. Detective Biederman said they found him in a car, and Trumbull replied, “Yeah.” Then, Trumbull became visibly emotional, putting his head in his hands and sobbing. Trumbull said he loved Logan and Lexie “like a father.” He then told detectives he didn’t remember what happened to Logan.
3:03 p.m. — In the video, the detectives told Trumbull they know what happened. Trumbull was observed slouching over, elbows on his knees with his hands together, shrugging and shaking his head. Trumbull then said everything was going to point back to him. Detectives pressed Trumbull to tell them what happened. Trumbull said, “I didn’t do it.” Detective Dean said, “You didn’t do what?” Trumbull replied, “Whatever happened.”
3:01 p.m. — In the video, Detective Dean told Trumbull that he spoke to Stormy Johnson, who told her what happened to Logan, then asked Trumbull what happened to Logan. He maintained he didn’t know. Detective Dean asked Trumbull if he’d ever hit Logan or Lexie, and he shook his head, saying he leaves that up to their mother. Dean reiterated that they’re giving Trumbull the opportunity to tell them why they arrived in Wichita Falls as a family of four and left as a family of three, adding she doesn’t believe Trumbull doesn’t know what happened.
2:59 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told detectives that to this day, he didn’t know where Logan was. Detective Biederman told Trumbull the story about Logan running away wasn’t true, and Trumbull responded by saying he’s a heavy sleeper.
2:56 p.m. — In the video, Detective Dean asked Trumbull why they would leave Wichita Falls if Cline was missing. Trumbull said they had no other options and had run out of money, and the place for disabled veterans was their only option. He said that on the way to California, they ran out of gas in Las Vegas.
2:54 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told detectives that Stormy Johnson told him that Logan ran away. He said he thought Johnson had reported Cline as a runaway, that they went and looked for him, and that he didn’t really question the whole situation. He said he didn’t contact Cline’s grandparents because he’d previously been threatened that they would shoot him if he came on their property.
2:50 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told detectives he wasn’t sure exactly when they relocated to Wichita Falls. He said they rented a room at the Red Roof Inn. Detective Jason Biederman told Trumbull that sometime between December 14, 2019, when a welfare check was performed, and December 28, 2019, when they were evicted, “there was no Logan.” Trumbull said that there was indeed a “Logan”, but that Logan had run away.
2:47 p.m. — In the video, Trumbull told detectives that he and Johnson were in a relationship. Trumbull said they, along with Lexie and Logan Cline, used to reside in Chillicothe before moving to Wichita Falls. Trumbull can be observed in the video yawning and touching his hair often during questioning.
2:43 p.m. — During the video, detectives entered a room in which Trumbull was seated. The date of the interview was February 28, 2020. Detectives informed Trumbull they were recording the interview, then read Trumbull his rights.
2:40 p.m. — After Judge McKnight calls the jury back into the courtroom, the interview between Trumbull and detectives with the Wichita Falls Police Department.
Judge McKnight dismisses the jury for their afternoon break. The Court is called into recess until 2:40 p.m., at which point testimony will resume.
2:20 p.m. — A video of an interview between Trumbull and law enforcement is entered into evidence. A transcript of the interview was distributed to the men and women of the jury as an aide to follow along. Due to technical difficulties, the afternoon break for the jury takes place.
2:00 p.m. — Betty Dean, a retired detective with the Wichita Falls Police Department, takes the stand. She testified that in 2020 after the WFPD learned of Cline’s death, she was one of the officers who went to Las Vegas for further investigation into Trumbull. She testified that a search of Trumbull’s pickup revealed several knives and makeshift weapons such as a stick wrapped in electrical tape. some of which were alleged to have been used to assault Cline during previous testimony.
Judge McKnight excuses Brewer and releases him from his subpoena. Judge McKnight then dismisses the jury to lunch. The court will be in recess until 1:15 p.m. when testimony is set to resume.
11:43 a.m. — A short segment of an audio recording of the interview between Brewer and Trumbull is played in the courtroom. Trumbull can be heard telling the detective that Logan is currently in a live-in care program in Midland. Trumbull said Logan threw a glass at his sister, attempted to hurt his mother, Stormy Johnson, and suggested he was suffering from schizophrenia. At the time, Logan had already died.
11:35 a.m. — Brewer testified that during an interview conducted with Trumbull on February 26, 2020, the defendant answered questions about Logan and Lexie Cline and said where Logan could be found. He testified that at the time, he was unaware that Logan was missing.
Judge McKnight excuses Fowler and instructs the state that they may call its next witness. Gillespie calls Michael Brewer, a former detective currently working with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department to the stand.
11:32 a.m. — Fowler testified that bleach can be used to destroy DNA evidence at a crime scene.
Hull passed the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
11:29 a.m. — Fowler testified that the beds in the room in which Trumbull, Johnson, and the children stayed at the Red Roof Inn were of no evidential value, nor were the sheets on those beds. He also testified that the DNA testing results of the blood found near the shower in the bathroom was a match to the DNA of Logan Cline.
11:27 a.m. — Fowler testified that his investigation took place after the body was moved, so he did not witness any of the crimes alleged to have taken place. He testified that he couldn’t speak to what actually happened before he arrived at the scene, just to what the evidence suggests. He testified that he didn’t have much to do with the wheelchair Trumbull and Johnson allegedly used to move Cline’s body.
Gillespie passed the witness to Hull for cross-examination.
11:24 a.m. — Drone footage taken from the scene was shown to the court. Fowler testified that a person would’ve had to go to great lengths to move Cline’s body down the stairs to transport his body to the abandoned car.
11:20 a.m. — Fowler testified that blood was discovered on a skull ring owned by Trumbull, but DNA testing showed the blood belonged not to Logan Cline, but to Stormy Johnson. He also testified that during his investigation, he took drone footage to show the distance from the Red Roof Inn to the abandoned car where Cline’s body was found.
11:13 a.m. — Fowler testified that a white towel similar to what would be found in a hotel was found underneath Cline’s body in the car.
11:11 a.m. — Fowler testified that he responded to the Red Roof Inn on February 27, 2020, after the body of Logan Cline was discovered in an abandoned car nearby. He testified that he conducted a more thorough inspection of the room at the Red Roof Inn the following day.
Judge McKnight excused Dr. Dakil and instructed the prosecution that they may call their next witness. Gillespie called to the stand Tanner Fowler, a detective with the Crimes Against Persons Unit of the Wichita Falls Police Department.
11:05 a.m. — Gillespie asked Dr. Dakil if the testimony of another child who was in the room during the alleged abuses would be important to listen to when determining what lead to the injuries on a victim, and she replied, “Absolutely.”
Hull passes the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
11:04 a.m. — Hull asked Dr. Dakil if it would be possible to fit a number of narratives into the facts revealed in Cline’s medical records and autopsy report. Dr. Dakil testified that it wouldn’t be possible to determine exactly what happened without speaking to someone who was in the room when the alleged incidents occurred.
Gillespie passed the witness to Hull for further cross-examination.
11:02 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that the gap in Logan’s medical records could be due to the family moving several times. She also testified that she is aware that Logan’s mother, Stormy Johnson, is charged as a co-defendant in this case, and when asked if she’d be willing to come back to Wichita Falls to testify in her trial, she replied, “Of course.”
11:00 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that methamphetamine was found to be in Logan Cline’s system during his autopsy, though she said she didn’t believe it to be a contributing factor to his death. She also testified that in her experience, abusers have given victims illicit drugs in order to exert control over them or allow them to feel less pain, though she doesn’t see this happening with methamphetamine as often as other drugs.
10:57 a.m. — Gillespie referenced a question asked by Hull during cross-examination regarding an abuser attempting to hide the abuse. He asked Dr. Dakil if silencing a victim could be a motive for murder, and Dr. Dakil said it could be a possible motive.
Hull passes the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
10:49 a.m. — Hull asked Dr. Dakil if an abuser attempting to conceal the abuse would try and prevent their victim from seeing potential whistle-blowers, including doctors and grandparents. Dr. Dakil testified that in general, this is the case.
10:46 a.m. — Hull asked Dr. Dakil what it would suggest if a child is not seen every year. Dr. Dakil testified that it’s not uncommon for children to not see their doctor when vaccines are not required. Hull stated that a mother not taking her child to the doctor annually could be cause for concern, and Dr. Dakil testified that it potentially could be concerning.
10:44 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that according to medical records, the last time Cline’s weight and vitals were taken was on July 3, 2019. She testified that the most recent doctor visit on record for Cline prior to 2019 was in 2015, more than four years prior, and she said the recommendation is for children to be seen annually.
10:41 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that it is possible that more than one person caused injuries similar to those she observed on the body of Logan Cline. She testified that to determine exactly how the injuries were caused, they would need to speak with someone who was there.
10:37 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that she is not able to determine exactly how the injuries were caused solely from a review of the autopsy. She testified the bruising on Logan’s buttocks would indicate an extended period of continuous abuse, and that it’s difficult to determine when the bruising occurred with cases of repetitive injuries.
10:35 a.m. — Hull begins cross-examining Dr. Dakil. Dr. Dakil testified that the abuses she observed indicate long-term abuse over time and that more than likely they were caused by multiple instances of abuse. She testified she never spoke with Logan Cline, his sister, Stormy Johnson, or Trumbull, and that her conclusions are derived from medical records and autopsy photos.
Gillespie passes the witness to the defense for cross-examination. Judge McKnight dismisses the jury for their morning break and calls the court into recess. Proceedings will resume at 10:30 a.m. with cross-examination from the defense.
10:07 a.m. — Gillespie admits two sets of medical records for Logan Cline into evidence without any objection from the defense.
10:05 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that after suffering abuse of the magnitude Cline suffered, it would be obvious that he needed medical attention immediately and that he was in extreme distress. “I mean, he went down and the blows kept coming,” Dr. Dakil said.
10:03 a.m. — Dr. Dakil described the bruising on Cline’s buttocks as “confluent”, meaning the bruising was effectively merged together, and it is not possible to see individual bruising from individual blows. She testified this is a relatively difficult area of the body to cause this type of bruising. She testified that sitting down after bruising of this magnitude would’ve made it difficult for Cline to sit down. She testified the beatings required to cause injuries like this would’ve been severe.
9:59 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that the bruising on Cline’s buttocks indicates repeated trauma to the same area over and over. She testified she could not estimate the number of blows it would take to cause that type of bruising.
9:55 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that the bruising to Logan Cline indicates a repeated physical assault on the child, equivalent to being repeatedly hit all over the body by a line drive during a baseball game. She testified the distribution of the bruising on Logan’s back indicates the abuse may have occurred while he was in the fetal position.
9:52 a.m. — A photograph from the autopsy of Logan Cline of his back, from his head to his mid-thigh, is shown in court. Dr. Dakil testified that she observed signs of significant weight loss as well as significant bruising to the backside. She testified that the bruising was “very deep” and down into the muscular tissue.
9:49 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that current literature classifies child torture cases as cases of child abuse with at least two episodes of physical abuse combined with at least two elements of psychological abuse, such as neglect or starvation. She testified that child torture is a multifactorial abuse pattern that occurs over time. Gillespie listed some abuse alleged to have been committed by Trumbull during previous testimony and asked Dr. Dakil if this would indicate a case of child torture. Dr. Dakil replied, “Absolutely.”
9:45 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that in her experience with child abuse cases, child victims often won’t make outcries of abuse unless they are taken away from the abusive situation and truly feel safe. She testified that in a situation in which a victim is in a room with their abuser and someone comes to the room, a child likely wouldn’t report they were in danger for fear of further abuse once they are again alone with their abuser.
9:42 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that in her experience with child abuse cases, an abuser will often abuse the victim in areas that could be concealed to avoid the abuse being detected. She also testified that in her experience, abusers will keep victims in isolation to allow abuse to continue without someone noticing. She testified that isolation is a way of psychological manipulation by abusers to exert power over their victims.
9:40 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that in her experience with ongoing physical abuse cases and sexual abuse cases, the injuries are inflicted so that the child won’t need medical intervention and impact the life of the abuser.
9:36 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that the injuries suffered by Logan Cline are “absolutely” consistent with the child being stomped on in the head by a 220-pound man. She also testified that several kicks to the face could have caused an injury of this severity.
9:34 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified regarding Logan’s nose, suggesting an injury of the magnitude that Logan suffered to his midface would cause issues breathing and would highly increase the likelihood of suffocation. She testified it would be a potentially life-threatening injury. She testified the force required to cause an injury of this magnitude would be pretty violent and would be similar to that of being ejected from a vehicle during a car accident.
9:31 a.m. — A photograph of Logan Cline’s face from his autopsy was shown to the court, and an audible gasp was heard in the courtroom, followed by some sniffles. Several jury members appeared shocked at the sight of the autopsy photo.
9:30 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that her review of the autopsy of Logan Cline indicated a “battered, emaciated child” with significant injuries. She testified she observed a lot of bruising on Logan’s scalp and face and a significantly broken and displaced nose. During a previous meeting, Dr. Dakil said her observations suggested Logan Cline was “literally pummelled” in the face.
9:27 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified Logan’s weight at the time of his autopsy was 66 pounds, nearly 30 pounds lighter than he was at his last medical exam. She testified that the amount of weight Logan lost would “absolutely” suggest a pattern of starvation.
9:25 a.m. — Dr. Dakil testified that she did not treat or meet Logan Cline prior to his death. She testified that prior to his death, there was nothing in his pediatric records that would have caused his death. She testified his records indicated he was a healthy boy.
9:18 a.m. — Dr. Suzanne Dakil is an assistant professor in the Department of Pediatrics at UT Southwestern Medical Center. She is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics in child abuse, a member of the REACH at Children’s Medical Center, and the director of the Child Abuse Fellowship at UT Southwestern.
Judge McKnight excuses Davis and instructs the state that they may call its next witness. Gillespie calls Dr. Suzanne Dakil, a child abuse specialist who testified in the capital murder trial of James Staley, to the stand.
9:15 a.m. — Davis testified that he attended the autopsy of Logan Cline. An autopsy photograph was admitted into evidence without any objection from the defense.
Judge McKnight excuses Alexander, noting that he may be subject to being recalled for further questioning later in proceedings. Judge McKnight instructs the state that they may call their next witness. Gillespie calls Tye Davis, chief investigator for the Wichita County District Attorney’s Office, to the stand.
9:11 a.m. — Alexander testified that he observed Trumbull, Johnson, and a juvenile female in the room. He testified that he instructed them they were required to vacate the room. He testified once all their items were out of the room and they were in the parking lot, he left the scene.
Gillespie passes the witness to Hull for cross-examination.
9:08 a.m. — Officer Alexander testified that he is occasionally dispatched to assist with evictions. He testified he responded to the Red Roof Inn on December 17, 2019, and after speaking with the manager, went to the room occupied by Trumbull, Johnson, one juvenile female, and three dogs. He testified that the room was “pretty nasty” and that the odor was “offensive.”
Judge McKnight excuses Holland and instructs the state that they may call its next witness. Gillespie calls Officer Buddy Alexander with the Wichita Falls Police Department.
9:04 a.m. — Holland testified that after Trumbull became involved with Johnson and “took control” of them she was not allowed access to her grandchildren.
Grimes passes the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
9:03 a.m. — Holland testified that Johnson had reached out for rent money in the past. She testified that she did not like Trumbull. She testified that she had concerns about the way Johnson was raising the children.
Gillespie passed the witness to defense attorney Gant Grimes for cross-examination.
9:02 a.m. — Gillespie asked Holland if she missed Logan, to which Holland was observed becoming visibly emotional. Holland testified she remembered the call she received in February 2020, when she was notified of Logan’s death.
9:01 a.m. — Gillespie asked Holland to recall the events of December 27, 2019. Holland testified that Johnson had reached out to her for rent money, and she told Johnson she would only give them money if she would have Logan call either her or her grandfather.
9:00 a.m. — Holland testified that she is Logan and Lexie Cline’s step-grandmother. Gillespie asked if she loved Logan, and Holland was observed becoming visibly emotional. She testified that she did love Logan. She testified that Logan and Lexie were in her wedding to Cline’s grandfather. She testified she was concerned about the safety of her grandchildren.
Judge McKnight excuses Venable, noting that he may be subject to being recalled for further questioning later in proceedings. Judge McKnight instructs the state that they may call their next witness. Gillespie calls Lisa Holland to the stand.
8:57 a.m. — Venable testified that he did not ask the children what grade they were in and that he asked very cursory questions after laying eyes on the room.
Hull passes the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
8:55 a.m. — Venable testified that he left notes with dispatch about his findings during the welfare check, but no report was made because nothing was uncovered during the welfare check. He testified that he later filed a supplemental report at a later date.
Gillespie passes the witness to Hull for further cross-examination.
8:53 a.m. — Venable testified that in hindsight, he should have taken the children out of the room for questioning. He testified that at the time he didn’t know they were in danger, but he now knows they were.
Hull passes the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
8:52 a.m. — Venable testified that despite his lack of specific training in child abuse cases, he would have acted had he seen any signs that the children were in danger or actively being abused. He testified there was nothing in plain view in the room that indicated narcotics were being used in the room.
Gillespie passes the witness to Hull for further cross-examination.
8:49 a.m. — Venable testified that both children were fully clothed during the welfare check. He testified that he did not ask either child to lift their shirts to show signs of abuse and malnourishment.
Hull passes the witness to Gillespie for further questioning.
8:47 a.m. — Venable testified that both children expressed they felt safe with their mother, so he closed the call.
8:46 a.m. — Venable testified that he was dispatched to the Red Roof Inn on the night of the welfare check after WFPD received a call from Cline’s grandmother, who was concerned that Trumbull and Johnson were using narcotics in the room with the children present. Venable reiterated his testimony that he saw no signs of distress, nor did he note any bruising or injuries on either of the children. He also testified the room was relatively clean, given four people and three dogs were residing in the room.
Gillespie passes the witness to defense attorney Wiliam Hull for cross-examination.
8:43 a.m. — Venable testified regarding a welfare check conducted at the Red Roof Inn in December 2019, prior to the death of Logan Cline. He testified that during the welfare check, Trumbull and Stormy Johnson, Logan Cline’s mother, were in the room during the welfare check. He testified that he saw nothing concerning during the check, and nothing to indicate the children were in danger.
Proceedings began at 8:30 a.m. Judge McKnight instructed the prosecution to call its first witness of the day. Gillespie called Jared Venable with the Wichita Falls Police Department.
This is a developing story. Stick with Texoma’s Homepage for updates as more information becomes available. All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
