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CHILTON Wis. - The mother of 25-year-old photographer Teresa Halbach testified in court Wednesday. Karen Halbach wanted to testify in the case, according to her son, Mike Halbach. Karen Halbach said she never heard her daughter's voice again after Oct. 31, 2005, the day Halbach was presumed killed.
Much of Karen Halbach's testimony centered around Teresa Halbach's family life. She said that Sunday afternoon was an important time in the Halbach household. "We'd sit and talk, sit around the island in our kitchen and talk. We could spend a lot of time together," Karen Halbach testified. After college at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay, Teresa Halbach moved back home to Hilbert, Wisconsin, and lived next-door to her family.
Taking pictures was Teresa Halbach's job. But pictures were also Teresa Halbach's passion, according to her mother's testimony. "She took pictures for us, she did our family picture and she was always taking pictures of the girls, and around the farm. She liked to take pictures a lot," jurors heard Karen Halbach say.
There was also testimony about Teresa Halbach's relationship with her two younger sisters. "Teresa was very close to both her sisters," Karen Halbach testified. "They spent a lot of time laughing, picking on each other, it kind of became tradition. Teresa would come over Sunday night and their three favorite TV shows were on that night and they would watch it," the victim's mother said.
Karen Halbach also testified that her daughter owned a Motorola Razor phone, and that the family was asked to help police locate cell phone records. She testified that family members were also asked for DNA samples.
Charred Bone Fragments Studied
Forensic Anthropologist Leslie Eisenberg testified about her analysis of the charred bone fragments found near Steven Avery's trailer. Eisenberg said she was able to determine that the bones were those of a female who was younger than 35. She also testified that portions of the charred skull showed that the victim was shot in the head twice. Avery's attorneys questioned Eisenberg about her involvement with gathering the bone fragments. Eisenberg said she did not help collect the evidence and only helped analyze it.
The charred bone fragments were burned at such a high temperature that Eisenberg pointed out how some sections turned white instead of being charred black. The Forensic Anthropologist said that she was able to identify portions of almost every bone in the body.
A State Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent testified Wednesday morning about how he sifted through the burn pit to find the charred bone fragments. Tom Sturdivant said the Halbach case was only his second time investigating a burned body. He described the process of using screens and tarps to sift through debris from the burn pit. Any suspected bone fragments, clothing zippers, or clothing rivets were removed and set aside for study.
Dental Records Match Remains
Also Wednesday morning, a forensic dentist testified. He was called to help identify Teresa Halbach's charred remains based on her teeth. Dr Don Simley used minute tooth fragments and x-rays taken at Halbach's dentist's office to positively identify her. Simley said Halbach's teeth were difficult to identify because they were so badly burned.
"They're right up there at the top of the list of the worst I've seen," he told the jury.
Check back here for updates throughout the day from TODAY'S TMJ4 reporter Mick Trevey, live in Chilton.
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BEFORE THE TRIAL:
