Victim takes stand in Jaeger trial
Day two of the Matthew Jaeger trial included dramatic testimony from the victim. Enlarge video
Jaeger Trial Updates, Via Twitter
Matthew Jaeger: Guilty Verdict
More coverage of the trial of a former Kansas University student accused of beating and kidnapping his ex-girlfriend.
A Lawrence woman testified on Thursday that she regrets having had an abusive relationship with a man now accused of beating her and kidnapping her from her apartment.
She also said she feared for her life on the night of the alleged attack, Oct. 9, 2007, at her apartment in northern Lawrence.
“My state of mind was not clear,” the victim testified. “I thought that Matt maybe mutilated my vagina with a piece of glass.”
During the attack, she said, she lost consciousness and woke up with injuries to her pelvic region and vagina.
The 23-year-old woman’s statements came in the second day of testimony during a trial for Matthew Jaeger, who faces several charges in Douglas County District Court in connection with the alleged attack.
The woman said her relationship with Jaeger, 24, was possessive and abusive.
“I wanted to break up with him, but it was only allowed if he wanted to break up with me,” she testified. “He was the boss.”
Prosecutors accuse Jaeger, a former Kansas University student, of breaking into the woman’s apartment and brutally attacking her after finding her with another man. But his attorneys deny he injured her, saying he was trying to help the woman because he was worried she was in trouble.
Relationship problems
Recounting the relationship, the woman told jurors Jaeger would often spy on her or stalk her when she was out with friends. She said that in fall 2007 she moved to a new apartment complex because she was concerned about her safety. She said Jaeger somehow found out where she was living.
She also testified that the defendant had a history of demonstrating jiu-jitsu moves on her, often putting her in a choke hold and forcing her to have sex with him.
Also Thursday, jurors viewed a taped interview with the victim taken from her hospital bed in the days after the incident.
In the tape, the woman tells police that Jaeger choked her until she passed out and that when she regained consciousness, she was bleeding profusely from her vagina.
“I don’t recognize myself down where he hurt me,” the woman said on the video. “It’s a part of myself I can no longer recognize. It doesn’t look like me. It looks like it’s been mutated and deformed.”
She said Jaeger then forced her into his car, sitting in the back seat with her while a friend of his drove. She described how she begged the defendant to take her to the hospital — and she was scared she was going to bleed to death.
“It was scary being so hurt and not knowing how it happened,” the victim said in the taped interview with police.
Statements to police
During cross-examination, Jaeger’s attorney, Pedro Irigonegaray, asked the woman about inconsistencies in her account of the incident and in her description of her relationship with Jaeger.
The defense attorney asked the woman why she told police investigators who questioned her in the hospital following the attack that Jaeger had never been physically violent with her.
She testified Thursday that he had a history of hitting her and choking her until she lost consciousness, dating back to spring 2006. But Irigonegaray said the woman never reported the violence to police, never went to the hospital and continued to go on trips with the Jaeger family to both Chicago and Miami.
“The cycle of abusive relationships, I can’t make sense of it,” the victim said. “I feel ashamed for loving someone who could treat me that way. It’s not like you can just push a button and stop caring for someone, even though he’s psycho.”
Irigonegaray also presented evidence of an e-mail the victim sent to the defendant in summer 2006, in which she wrote, “I wouldn’t change a thing about you.”
He also asked her why her statements Thursday in court about Jaeger choking her in the apartment did not match what she once told police in interviews after the attack, including when she said she had no memory of Jaeger choking her at all.
The woman said her memory improved in the weeks after the attack as her injuries began to heal. She said she was often sedated or coming out of surgery when police were trying to talk to her shortly after the incident.
“It’s not like I got a minor, little cut. I was fighting for my life,” she said.
Charges against Jaeger include aggravated burglary, aggravated battery, aggravated kidnapping and making a criminal threat. The trial will resume at 9 a.m. today. It is expected to last two to three weeks.
Comments
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nlf78 (anonymous) says…
There are no words to describe Jaeger. I hope he rots for what he has done.
OldEnuf2BYurDad (anonymous) says…
How in the WORLD can this guy think he's getting off?
Tab (anonymous) says…
May the victim have the strength to endure this trial. My thoughts are with you, God Bless.
anyonelistening (anonymous) says…
How horrible for her to have to sit there and relive that night while Jaeger sits there looking all sweet and innocent, showing no remorse or concern or compassion for a woman he once considered his girlfriend. Is this the behaviour of a man who was trying to rescue her? If he was rescuing her why did he tell the police they were on their way for pizza? Wouldn't you be screaming and yelling that you had a severly injured woman in the car and you needed to get to the hospital? Not sit there stalling and saying oh we are just going for pizza? Come on-in the first day his story is poked full of holes!
She obviously was a pocession not a person. He must be ice cold to sit there and lie about his involvement and malign her character after all she has lived through.
Good for her to have the strength to face him down and stand up for herself. I hope she knows she has the support of the community.
With him back in town is she under police protection? Who knows what he is capable of continuing to do- she may need rescuing again!--
monkeyspunk (anonymous) says…
Wow! Look up "brave" in the dictionary and you will find a picture of this woman.
She has more balls than any man who would strike a woman.
ilovelucy (anonymous) says…
Castrate the abuser! How his parents can defend that low life p.o.s. is beyond me.
Oh wait, money can buy alot.
I'm hoping he's singing soprano before long..
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
May she have peace while she has to endure this horrible incident again, my prayer is that she keeps the strength she has had so far, and that justice will be served, and this slim will get exactly what he deserves.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
This woman has serious strength to keep going through this.
geekin_topekan (anonymous) says…
"...and not knowing how it happened,"
++++
I'll bet the defense will hang onto those words like a Repub on the campaign trail.
smitty (anonymous) says…
Re: driver of the car....
The driver, Evan Carroll, said he and Jaeger had gone to the woman's apartment after a night of drinking. Carroll said there was a struggle in the apartment between the woman and Jaeger and that Jaeger forced the woman into the car.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/feb...
"I begged the driver to take me to the hospital, but he ignored me," she wrote.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/oct...
(Assistant District Attorney Dave) Melton then showed the judge numerous weapons the prosecutor said were found either on the suspect or in the vehicle. The weapons included an ax and a unique type of folding knife used in martial arts, that Melton said could essentially be used as "brass knuckles."
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2007/oct...
It's disturbs me that there aren't charges against the driver.
She told the man with her, Dylan Jones, to leave because she was afraid what Jaeger would do to him.
During his testimony, Jones said he dropped off a balcony outside the woman's bedroom just as Jaeger came out onto the balcony threatening to kill him. He then hid in the shadows of a nearby apartment building when Jaeger left the apartment and looked for him. Jones said he eventually ran to the woman's brother's house two blocks away and called police.
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2008/feb...
JW archives are difficult to search. There ya go, the names of the driver, Evan Jones and the boyfriend, Dylan Jones.
anyonelistening (anonymous) says…
Thanks Smitty-thats a huge help to us newbies trying to get information on this horrible crime.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
A freakin' misunderstanding? Are you kidding me?
misslawrence (anonymous) says…
I can't wait til he goes to prison,.,.,.,.so he can get his wank yanked.,,..,.see how it feels.,.,poor girl....
consumer1 (anonymous) says…
All you police haters out there. I see your obvious absence here today. Thank God the police caught him when they did, other wise this would be a murder trial. Jaeger was head anyplace but the hospital. The young lady would have blead to death.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
Good point, consumer1 - which is why I believe this d-bag should be charged with attempted murder.
been_there (anonymous) says…
When he headed away from the hospital it became attempted murder.
jkealing (Jonathan Kealing) says…
If you're interested, we've just built out a section on the Matthew Jaeger trial. You can access it via the link under the Twitter feed or directly, here:
http://www2.ljworld.com/news/crime/as...
Should be able to find the key moments in the investigation and trial so far. We'll be updating the section as we go along.
Jonathan Kealing
Online editor
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Thank you, Jonathon.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Jonathon - I know you already have your hands, babysitting all us posters, but I'm not seeing anything in the articles about the outcome of the motions filed by the defense to suppress the knife found in the car, the victim's statement or the suspect's statements, before and after his arrest. Can you direct me to links that will tell us?
jkealing (Jonathan Kealing) says…
Jersey-
I'll try to get you an answer. It may take me a little bit though, because I'm delegating that to someone else.
Jonathan
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Thank you, Jonathon. Much appreciated.
smitty (anonymous) says…
taaaadaaaa......Good to see the JW stepping up the coverage.
shhhh, just between you and me....will you fix the hidden secret archives and the ways to locate past articles? Kinda difficult to search commas and other punctuation marks as the key word for a controversial news item. You may even take a personal shot at me for making that statement IF it will improve the news coverage.
HW (anonymous) says…
Johnathan
Why does this article show 44 comments at the top, but I only count about 25? Thanks.
jkealing (Jonathan Kealing) says…
Smitty-
Have you tried http://betasearch.ljworld.com/search/ ?
We know our existing search is terrible. This one is much, much better and is available on the search page as we test it. We'll be rolling it out officially soon.
Jonathan Kealing
Online editor
consumer1 (anonymous) says…
I have been sitting in on some of this trial. It makes me mad to see Jaeger's attourney try and manipulate everything to imply his client is a wrongly accused, mis understood, but good young man. Padro is doing character asssasination on every witness. How can he sleep with hiimself, knowing he is manipulating the law for the sake of MONEY????? I am not sure who is the bigger criminal the attourney or Jaeger, or his dad?
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
consumer - how does a person get to sit in on the trial? I assume it's not open to the public.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
consumer - it is his job. The Jaeger family has already fired previous attorneys. Someone has to represent him and to the best of their ability or they could lose their license to practice. Either the courts assigned him an attorney or his family hired an attorney. Pedro might as well as take their money. Somebody was bound to.
anyonelistening (anonymous) says…
How do you get to watch the trial? Do they have a separate entrance for the defendant? i haven;t seen any coverage of him entering or leaving the court house. I hope this torture ends soon for the victim! And justice is served!
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
consumer1 (Anonymous) says… "I have been sitting in on some of this trial. It makes me mad to see Jaeger's attourney try and manipulate everything to imply his client is a wrongly accused, mis understood, but good young man. Padro is doing character asssasination on every witness. How can he sleep with hiimself, knowing he is manipulating the law for the sake of MONEY?????"
How about he is making the prosecution earn their MONEY by insuring they prove each and every element of every crime Jaeger is accused of beyond a reasonable doubt, like the law says they must. It is exactly what you would want and are entitled to when you are accused of a crime, especially if you did it.
Valkyrie_of_Reason (Kathy Getto) says…
sunlover
consumer - how does a person get to sit in on the trial? I assume it's not open to the public.
Uuh - 1st and 14th Amendments, I believe speak to this. You might want to study up a bit on access to information.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Uuuh, Kathy, some trials are closed to the public. Because of the publicity this is generating, either attorney could have requested that it be closed.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
So obviously law is not my strong suit, however, as JerseyGirl stated - I assumed this trial WAS closed to the public, due to high profile.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
Sunlover (Anonymous) says… "consumer - how does a person get to sit in on the trial? I assume it's not open to the public."
Walk or drive to the Douglas County Court House, go through security, ask where the trial is, walk in, sit down, and keep quiet.
Sigmund (anonymous) says…
The only trials routinely closed to the public are trials involving juveniles. Except in rare cases (and this isn't one of them), all others are open to the press and public.
peach_plum_pear (anonymous) says…
I was called to be a part of the jury selection for this case. It's going to be a long, painful trial...I would warn anyone who wants to go that they told us they will be showing photographic evidence of this woman's injuries.
Luckily I wasn't chosen to sit on the jury. I can't think of a reason why a woman would lie about who did this to her.
As to Irigonegaray's point about her not calling the police on him for previous beatings and stalking, I would say that it is very common for people in abusive relationships to be in denial. They may mistakenly believe the obsessive behavior and possessiveness are expressions of love. I have seen several of my own friends, women and men, experience this. If you are in an abusive relationship - wake up! You don't want end up in a situation like this. Get out.
smitty (anonymous) says…
Uhhh, she did get out.
igby (anonymous) says…
...as the facts come out through witnesses the jury will see as we are seeing that Jaeger, was boiling mad and took his rage out on her quickly. After this he panicked and was taking her to her death. I think Jaeger, is a mental case and he has convinced his family that none of this happened and that he is being abused and charged with out merit.
His family may believe him and that's why their paying for his bond and lawyers. I look for something bad to happen may even his going off his rocker either in court or may be he could get dangerously insane when the reality of this trial unravels all his lies. He may not show up for the verdict.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
When it gets this far, though, how does his family keep believing him? I can understand in the beginning, Jaeger telling his family big bunch of lies and them believing it but after several hearings and the woman sticking to her story, I would think it would take some serious denial to keep believing he is innocent.
KansasPerson (anonymous) says…
Good update (7:10 p.m.).
"The trial will resume at 9 a.m. today." (should say tomorrow?)
Her come-backs to the cross-examination: You go, girl!!!!! Don't let them push you around!
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
She sounds feisty. But I bet now the fear has finally changed to anger.
Does anyone know if the suspect plans to testify in his own defense?
nickhawk (anonymous) says…
Uuh - 1st and 14th Amendments, I believe speak to this. You might want to study up a bit on access to information.
Uuh--Explain how the 1st and 14th apply. There are others that do, but I fail to see how these two do.
srj (anonymous) says…
I hate to bring this up people, but his story has never changed (as far as we know), and hers has. Don't be shocked with a hung jury.
I keep thinking about Robert Blake's murder trial, he gave the worst alibi ever, he told the police that he "had gone back to the restaurant to get a gun he left at the table and was there when the shooting occurred." But he stuck to it and was found not guilty.
Practicality (anonymous) says…
Jersey_Girl.
I think that you should go to the trial tomorrow. You seem very passionate about this case. I think that you could get a bunch of answers to your questions if you went. Then you could post them for us. We are all curious. Just don't attack Jaeger if you go. It won't help us learn anything if you are in jail.
parrothead8 (anonymous) says…
been_there (Anonymous) says…
"When he headed away from the hospital it became attempted murder."
Um, no. When he first laid hands on her that evening it became attempted murder.
Pywacket (anonymous) says…
srj~ Sadly, you have a good point. Too many jurors are idiots who can be convinced of any bulls***, especially if a lawyer is good at talking out his @$$..
The Blake trial is a good example. So is the OJ trial, and too many to count involving ordinary people.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Practicality - I wish I could. I would like to sit in on the entire trial. Unfortunately, I have to work. Those darn bills won't pay themselves. I'm taking your post as serious, not sarcastic, so correct me if you were.
srj and pywacket - I'd like to point out that those were both murder trials with dead victims. In this trial, the victim is still alive (thank god) to testify. And while her story has changed, from what I'm reading, mostly on the subject of how she came to be knocked out, it has changed from her interview in the hospital that Jaeger did it. There are photos to show how badly she was injured, so the jury can not doubt that she was. I'm guessing, and it is only a guess, that since we haven't heard much about what the driver was charged with, a deal was made and he will be testifying against Jaeger. If so, I would think that would seal his fate.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
And yes, I am passionate about this case. Partly because I have a younger sister exactly the victim's age and partly because I am a woman and this is my worst fear. The idea of being raped is terrifying enough but to be brutalized in the areas that she was is what really scares me. I fear severe pain more than death.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Oops, sorry. Her interview in the hospital has NOT changed that Jaeger did it. His first explanation was that it was big misunderstanding. Then it was that he found her that way.
Renaissance (anonymous) says…
If she were my daughter, Jaeger wouldn't ever see prison, or sentencing for that matter, if you know what I mean. The level of self-restraint her family has already shown is praise worthy. I certainly don't have that level of self-control.
Practicality (anonymous) says…
J_G.
I was serious. No sarcasm intended.
MeAndFannieLou (anonymous) says…
How does Jaeger's family keep believing him? I don't think there is anything that humans are better at than denial, especially about things that concern our kids.
artichokeheart (anonymous) says…
A woman is beaten to death in this country every 5 minutes. This woman is lucky to be alive to testify.
Phogfan86 (anonymous) says…
Jaeger's attorney is really, really good at getting guilty people off the hook on technicalities. The kid's got no other hope.
Pedro's feigned ignorance of how abusive relationships work ("Why did you say he wasn't violent? Why didn't you call the police?") just makes my blood boil.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
Jersey Girl - We should take off of work one day next week and go to the trial. I would really like to be there too. I too, have a sister this girl's age. I'm totally outraged by this act of violence.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
You know, several male friends of mine have made a good point - why in the heck did Dylan Jones (the man at her apartment during the break-in) bail when she told him to leave b/c Jeager is dangerous?? Knowing this guy is a psycho maniac, with an "alleged" history of hurting her in the past, WHY would Dylan leave her there alone with Jeager? He should have stayed to protect her - or at the very least have an extra hand to call police STAT.
Practicality (anonymous) says…
Sunlover,
I have thought about that as well. The conclusion I have come to is that he was terrified. The old fight or flight syndrome kicked in and he chose flight. I am not condoning his actions, but I do think it is understandable why he was afraid. It is obvious that he didn't think he could stop Jaegar. It is easy to judge this as a cowardly act, but in my experience, most people, unless confronted with many acts of violence in their lives and subsequently have learned how to control their mind from the overwhelming fear associated with it, usually choose the flight option when it is available. Given his actions, I doubt he was capable of fighting off Jaegar and his accomplice.
In hindsight, I have also wondered why the victim didn't drop off the balcony with the guy as well.
kthxbi (anonymous) says…
I was thinking the same thing about Dylan. What an A$$.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
Yes, I realize it's one of those split-second decisions a person has to make and you never really know what you're going to do until you're in the situation. I'm sure he feels horrible about it now. I just keep hearing my husband say "THIS is the d-bag he was running away from??" I mean, he's not some scary, huge UFC fighter - looking kind of "man". ...and yes - she should have jumped too. What a nightmare.
rtpayton (anonymous) says…
For you Christians does Jaeger rot in hell or does God forgive him?
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
I believe he has to ASK for forgiveness in order to be forgiven. It will probably depend on weather or not he's sent to prison. MY guess is that he will "find GOD" while living in prison. If the verdict declares him a free man - he may rot in hell.
MeAndFannieLou (anonymous) says…
When the fight-or-flight response kicks in, you don't get to chose which one - your limbic brain choses for you, and unless you've worked really hard at mental discipline, you can't override it.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
The girl that saw them dragging her down the stairs that called 911 is a hero! she saved the girls life! May God Bless everyone directly involved in this trial. I hope Jaeger is locked up for life so he can't do this agian!
gingergirl (anonymous) says…
I agree...this man is a monster. How someone could do that to another human being is beyond my comprehension. I feel for the victim. Having to confront your accuser in open court like that must have been torture. She is a brave woman...and my heart goes out to her. In my mind, I feel confident that Jaeger will get what he deserves...whatever form of karma delivers the punishment.
I don't believe that any form of wealth his family may have will protect him from punishment.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
The victims story may have changed, but her injuries have not and will always be a reminder of how devastating her relationship was with this abusive maniac. Hopefully her story will move other women in abusive relationships to get out immediately! Get the help of the police, move away or whatever it takes to be safe!
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
On way or another he WILL pay! He will at one point or another have to answer for this crime. His intentions were not just to mutilate her obviously or he would have left after he destroyed her pelvic area. We all know he was going to kill her. Thats why he had an ax in his car! God knows what his intentions were in his heart(if he has one), and one way or another he will pay.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
Court has been in session for an hour now - and no twitter updates. What gives?
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
Janet must be very busy taking notes. Probably going to be a very exhausting day for everyone!
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Ok, practicality. Just wanted to check. You can't always read sarcasm.
Sunlover - Maybe Dylan realized how serious she was and knew he wouldn't win that fight, so he left to go to her brother's house to call 911. If someone is psycho-crazy, it doesn't always matter what they look like or how big they are. Why she didn't go with him is what I want to know.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
JG - I get what you're saying, but if anyone thought this guy was THAT dangerous - why in the HELL would you bail and leave him with a 90 lb college girl???
That being said - I do understand the fight or flight theory.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
speaking of Dylan....looks like he's on the stand as we speak...
logicsound09 (anonymous) says…
"I hate to bring this up people, but his story has never changed (as far as we know), and hers has."
--------------
While that is true, the fact that his story is incredibly unbelievable when compared with 3rd-party testimony is pretty damning.
For example, how does his consistent claim that they were trying to help her by taking her to the hospital jive with the fact that eyewitnesses saw two men dragging her down the stairs by her hair? Or how his attorney claimed that she had hurt herself, yet she had to spend 2 weeks in the hospital and receive multiple surgeries to recover? That's a pretty vicious accident.
And speaking of how the victim became injured, Jaeger's story hasn't been ironclad either--I seem to remember his original tale for the police being that he found the woman in that state after she had been attacked by another man. Now, in the trial, his lawyer put forth this weird concoction about how he got there and she told him she had hurt hurself because it was dark and she fell on a railing.
Add those facts to the fact that the victim was struck on the head or choked unconscious or both, I feel that the details that have "changed" (how she was made unconscious, for example) in her story are fairly insignificant.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
His family believing his story reminds me of the boy who died of alcohol poisoning this spring. His family beleive his story about getting kicked out of the dorm because of a beer and shot glass. A week later, he died from alcohol poisoning. This trial also reminds me of the O.J. trial, although, as I've already pointed out, the victim is still alive for this trial.
rodentgirl16 (anonymous) says…
With the extent of her injuries, I'll bet she was on some wicked painkillers after her surgeries and it's unbelievable that they are trying to point out inconsistencies from that period of recovery. Everyone is entitled to a defense, but I wonder if Irigonegaray ever second guesses himself in cases like this. I've never heard whether he has children or specifically daughters? As a defense attorney, some part of him has to be rooting for the underdog, and he undoubtedly knows that Jaeger isn't the underdog in this case.
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
rodentgirl16 - Pedro does not have children.
private_eye (anonymous) says…
Sunlover, Matthews "parents" do not have children either, he's adopted. Wonder which of his biological parents have this defective genetic psyco disorder. Would be interesting to investigate!
Sunlover (anonymous) says…
private_eye, ah ha! very interesting tid-bit.
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
This story is horrendous, and I am a woman, I am also a woman who has been in an abusive realtionship, in the past, but I can not wrap my mind around what exactly he must have done to her. I never have been able to, and when my friends and I talk about this, they being all women as well, also can not wrap their minds around it. I understand how the vagina area could get mutilated, we all hear stories about girls in 3rd world countries being "circumcized" which is vaginal mutilation, but I can not for the life of me, close my eyes and figure out what injuries she sustained. Not being able to walk, several surguries, complete mutilation, after the trial is over, will we know the details of her injuries?
I feel so bad for this girl, I seen her on the news last night, when she was in the hospital, and she looked so little, like one of my daughters, I just can not imagine. And i agree, her family is showing great great restraint, because I agree, had that been my daughter, I would not have been able to show that, and we would be having a totally different trial! God bless this girl and her family! May he rot for what hes done!
logicsound09 (anonymous) says…
Why on earth would you want to know the gorey details, ksdivakat?
The words "mutilated" and the fact that the doctors said her vagina was "unrecognizable" is plenty grotesque for me.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
Jersey girl- Her current b/f didn't have time to do anything but jump out the window and try to get help. wouldn't have done any good for him to stay there and get killed. Him jumping out the back and off the balcony actually helped because Jaeger knew he had been caught and their was a witness. Probably why he didn't just kill her right then. His plan didn't go as planned! It was the best thing he could have done. Hard to get your bearings when you are woken up by a maniac!
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
The best thing for the prosecuter to do is bring out the fact that he didn't get proper emergency help for her and that pulling her down a couple flights of stairs injured her even more. If Jaeger claims he was trying to help her out then he would have used a less traumatic way of getting her help and I don't think pizza was the answer! If the jusdge doesn't put him in prison for a very, very long time you will know there has been a pay off. common sense is all that has to be used in this case. Let's see if they have any! If Jaeger walks away from this then I am moving away from Lawrence as it will not be a safe place to live. Can you imagine the psychos it will bring out. If one can get away with this others will think the same.
logicsound09 (anonymous) says…
"Defense attorney implied witness made up the threat on his life, so he wouldn't look like a coward for leaving victim's apt "
-------------
Um....why would he look like a coward unless he was leaving out of fear...
I don't understand that implication at all.
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
Not really gorey details logic, more of a synposis of it. I guess really I want to know is, did he use a weapon? Is that why she was mutilated?
I know someone who is a second degree black belt in kuk sol won, and he told me that if he gets in a fight at all, even if the person starts it with him, hits him first, whatever, then HE goes to jail because he is the "expert" and he said that is the way it is with any martial arts. So why isnt this guy being charged with that I wonder?
I think the jury will see through Pedro, especially when he starts to assinate her character, that will probably be the nail in the coffin for this guy...I hope so anyway.
KansasPerson (anonymous) says…
"Judge just joked that he's going to put a shock collar on the attorney. Court reporter just scolded lawyer & witness. #jaegertrial"
Which attorney?
And: A court reporter can speak up in court? I didn't know that.
cait48 (anonymous) says…
Although it doesn't involve a death I am seriously surprised there aren't one or more "true crime" writers following this case.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Stephanie - I didn't say anything against Dylan for leaving. The fact that he knew her brother and that he lived 2 blocks away tells me that he knew the victim pretty well (no innuendo intended). My sisters' bfs don't know where I live, if they even know I exsist.
Does anyone know what the prison sentences are for each charge?
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
ksdivacat - he was found two knives, one of which, I believe, could have been possibly used as "brass knuckles" and an ax. That's more than my imagination needed to know.
private_eye (anonymous) says…
The victims first instinct was to tell her friend to jump because she knew Mathews capabilities (he did run to her brothers house for help, doors away). Height/weight does not matter when one is under the influence, including an adrenaline. Perhaps she thought she could reason with Matt better one on one, like she did many times before. Those who are, or have been in an abusive relationship know the procedure. I pray the jury will find with no doubt Matthew Jaeger guilty. If for some strange reason money shows more power than truth in this case we will see Mathew Jaeger making news again. Hope his next victim will also get the chance to be present.
Good luck little lady, our prayers are with you!
firestone321 (anonymous) says…
it is my understanding that this is not the first time Jaeger has been in trouble for abusing a woman altho I'm sure that won't come out at the trial...you'd think mommy & daddy might get the picture when his crimes keep escalating
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
ok thanks Jersey_girl, I just thought that the weapons were found in the car, I didnt put 2 and 2 together that they could have actually been used on this poor girl....geez...that makes me sick just thinking about it.
This poor girl, man, I certainly hope that she has had an opportunity for counseling etc, what a terrible, terrible crime.
rodentgirl16 (anonymous) says…
Cowardly? Perhaps, but certainly smarter than going up against a crazed, jiu jitsu trained, enraged exboyfriend. As private_eye alluded to, she probably thought she could defuse the situation better if Jones wasn't there, and he was smart enough to listen and go get help, rather than stick around and potentially make things worse.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
I don't think there was time for her to reason with Jaeger. He just broke into her apt and immediately started attacking her.
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
latest twitter update:
During car stop officer noticed blood on jaeger's hands & shorts. He said "I bite my fingernails."
Are you kidding me??? I hope beyond all hope, that this jury is smart enough to look at these ridiculous statements that this sub-human is making and see right through them, geezzz, this guy is an animal.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
Did Jaeger say the blood in the backseat of his car and on him was from biting his nails?!?!?!?! Must have gotten a little cut from the bowie knife! That would end the trial right there for me if I were the judge! Seriously this is insane to waste our money on this b.s.!
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
The family and defense seem to want everyone see to Jones as "another man" that she was with. Again, I'd like to point out that he knew her well enough to know where her brother lived (prosecuters, are you reading this?). That speaks of a deeper relationship than somebody she just met or picked up in a bar or even was seeing on the side, had she still been dating Jaeger. I believe I read that they broke up in May 2007.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
The defense attorney must be laughing his a** all the way to the bank. In of the articles attached to the link that Jonathon provided yesterday (thank you, Jonathon), it said that the defense attorneys asked for a delay in the trial in Feb. 2008 to try and work out a plea agreement. Either one wasn't offered or it wasn't much of one. Those attorneys got fired and here we are. The prosecutors must feel they have a very strong case, since it sounds like little to no effort was made to plead him out.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
biting the nails and going for pizza are the two most stupid and insane comments they could have made!!!! I don't care how good of an attorney you have, if the city and judge don't take a pay off, this guy is toast. If I were his attorney I would have demanded A LOT of money from Daddy Jaeger and terminated my contract with this clown! How embarassing. I sure would not put my professional reputation on the line to have my client say that huge amount of blood was from biting my nails!!! I don't think that much blood would have come from him if his fingers had been cut off!!! Wow! The truth and proof that this girl has far out-weighs their ridiculous lies. If the poor girl hadn't been mutilated this would look like a three ring circus!
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
I don't see how they can use anything about her current b/f knowing where her brother lives. There are many reasons why he might have known that. they could have gone over there to visit, eat, etc. I don't think that is relevant at all. I am sure Jaegers sick attorney of his will try and twist that into more than it is. funny how when people lie to cover up the truth it just sounds so stupid!
rodentgirl16 (anonymous) says…
StephanieD123,
It's my understanding from the other article that has been posted, based on the testimony of Jones, that Jaeger actually chased him, threatened him, and then attacked the victim. Am I understanding right?
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
Steph, the bf could have known her brother first. We dont know that piece of it, but maybe he knew her brother first and then met her through the brother somehow.
Which leads me to another question....why the heck didnt her brother run over there while the bf was calling the police and help his sister out? I mean Im not saying anything negative about the brother, but it does make me wonder why he wouldnt go over there?
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
It is significant in that Jones knew her well enough to know where her brother lived. A casual aquatance or one-night-stand wouldn't know that. It is usually several months into a relationship before I introduce anyone to my family (or my family to anyone, for that matter).
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
rodentgirl - that was my understanding as well. Jones hid until Jaeger went back inside before heading to the victim's brother's house.
poppygirl (anonymous) says…
??? If Jaeger chased Jones, why didn't the girl flee her apartment then? call 911, something, I'm confused there.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Ah, ksdiva - we don't know that he didn't. We don't know how long she was unconscious or how long it was after Jones left that she got dragged off to the car. I imagine it took time to get the brother to the door and time to explain what was happening. That could have been all the time it took for him to choke her, brutilize her and drag her to his car.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
poppygirl - it's a good question but I'm not sure it is relavent, unless you want to blame the victim for what happened because she did not call the police when she had the chance.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
Rodent- ya thats what they said.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
poppygirl- there was two crazy men not just jaeger. The other one knew that Brazilian jiszitsusususu (whtever its called Karate stuff) too.
poppygirl (anonymous) says…
No, not trying to blame the victim what so ever, just seems that if Jaeger entered the apt, threatened Jones, Jones jumps over the balconey, Jaeger pursues him into the woods, why she didn't leave the house, unless she was already knocked out at this point, but doesn't make sense that he had time to do that to her, and threated/chase Jones at the same time.
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
The neighbor girl called 911. she is the one that saved this girls life!
mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
ok if I follow the twitter right he says he never went into the apt. If that is true how did he see anyone fleeing off the balcony or ever so gently force her out by her hair into his car?
firestone321 (anonymous) says…
don't they have dna tests to show that the blood on his hands and shorts was not his??
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
Well bet the Jaegers are sorry they adopted the "bad seed " !
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
momma- it's not true just another one of his lies!
StephanieD123 (anonymous) says…
Isn't it great that our tax money is being spent on this 3 ring circus!! he is guilty.!!!!lock him up and his buddy!
mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
Say what stephanieD you mean he be telling a lie under oath? no way not this pillar of society:D
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Stephanie - maybe the state can sue the Jaegers for court fees. I don't know if restitution is levied through criminal court or civil court. I know going to traffic court will cost you court fees...I mean, that's what I heard. What I hope is that what ever the defense attorneys don't syphon off the Jaegers, the woman gets in civil court for pain and suffering.
ksdivakat (anonymous) says…
““A man hit your lover and your response was to turn and run away,” Saken said.”……….
Is it just me, or did the defense just throw the trial with that statement? Jeagers attorney is questioning the man who was in the apartment with her, and he says to the man……
““A man hit your lover and your response was to turn and run away,” Saken said.”……….
I thought the whole defense was that jeager was trying to help? They just admitted he hit her!!!!
.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Hmmmmmm, is the defense double-dipping? Is someone paying them to throw the trial?
momma - who said that he said that he never entered her apartment? Surely the defense is not up yet and surely the defense attorneys are not so dumb as to put this arrogent, psychotic liar on the stand. Because either they know he will lie or he is too much of a wild card to trust to stay cool under cross-examination.
mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
janet reids twitter thing. also said when cops left the inttergation room he was lickin and wiping blood off heis hands yuck and more yuck.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Momma and Daddy Jaeger must have found Jr. in a wolf's den when they adopted him.
KansasPerson (anonymous) says…
OMFG on that tweet. I didn't think I could feel more sickened by this guy than I already do, but I was wrong.
Jersey_Girl (anonymous) says…
Okay, I'm an old fogey. Can someone either tell me what's on Twitter or give me a link to find it?
mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
Look on the side of the article above they had it up there earlier today. Not old Jersey if it was not on there I would not have a clue either, to many social network sites to care.
mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
Yeah KansasPerson enough to make you want to lose your lunch.
somebodynew (anonymous) says…
momX2 - I am aware you are probably just being sarcastic, but that statement didn't come under oath or on the stand. That came from his interview with the police just after the incident. And believe it or not, a lot of people lie to the police when talked to.
It will be interesting to see if he actually takes the stand and testifies under oath. (Not that I think he won't lie there too, but trying to figure out defense stategy.)
I did think the one attorney's question might come back to haunt him if the prosecution picked up on it. ““A man hit your lover and your response was to turn and run away,” Saken said.”………. I thought Jaeger said he was never in the apartment, during the interview and that the defense plan was that someone else did this????? Think there might have been a slip there???? HhhMmmmm........
mommaeffortx2 (anonymous) says…
yes somebody I was. Of course he lied I think he does not know how to tell the truth. One sick puppy.
jaywalker (anonymous) says…
"How can he sleep with hiimself, knowing he is manipulating the law for the sake of MONEY????? I am not sure who is the bigger criminal the attourney or Jaeger, or his dad?"
Sigmund already summed this point up well. Defense attorneys aren't there to prove their client's innocence. They are there to force the state, the only one's with the power to take your life, liberty, or property, to prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt. Their job is one of the big factors in what makes ours the greatest system of justice in the world. I understand the disgust people have for defendants in a lot of cases, just don't project their grotesqueness onto the defender.
tumbilweed (anonymous) says…
Twitter is the pinnacle of human accomplishments, whereby anyone, anywhere in the world, can detail the excruciating minutiae of their existence, and everyone else can read about it.
This is why people were put on earth, I'm sure.
It's like this comment board, only even more pointless.