Willis Rape Trial - Live Reporting From ALL - COMBINED

Table of Contents for Willis Rape Trial Maddie Hanna tweets/Concord Monitor ....................................................................................2 5 May 23-24 .......................................................................
. Bottom of page 4 page 5 Opening remarks, Testimony: Tina Anderson, Chris Leaf, Chuck Phelps May 25 ............................................................................................................ page 4 Testimony: Chuck Phelps, Ernest Willis May26 ...................................................................... Bottom half of page 2 page 3 Testimony: Ernest Willis, Tina Anderson May 27 ......................................................................................... Top half of page 2 Verdict *Hannas tweets in date order from Twitter page so they appear newest to oldest first on the pages. WMUR Live Blog....................................................................................................................6 56 May 23 .............................................................................................................6 15 Testimony: Tina Anderson, Sara Harrison, Sue Cappucci, Christine Leaf May 24 ...........................................................................................................17 30 Testimony: Christine Leaf (cont.), Barbara Kingsbury, Matt Barnhart, Christine Barnhart, Dawn Fisher, Fran Earle, Chuck Phelps May 25 ...........................................................................................................32 48 Testimony: Chuck Phelps (cont.), Paul Gagnon, Chris DeAngelis, Rebecca Hunter, Ernie Willis May 26 ...........................................................................................................50 53 Testimony: Ernie Willis (cont.), Tina Anderson (rebuttal), Closing statements May 27 ...........................................................................................................54 56 Jury Deliberation and Verdict
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis is guilty on all four charges

27 May
Note: live tweets from Maddie Hanna are in order of the way they were saved from Twitter -- newest tweets first. To read in date/time order, you will have to start at the bottom of the document.
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Correction: Willis is here to hear the verdict

27 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis isn't here; at his request, judge entered his guilty plea on the statutory rape charge he admits and revoked his bail
27 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Jurors appear to have reached a verdict in Willis case -- the alternates are in the courtroom
27 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Jurors in Willis trial still deliberating; asked to re-listen to tape of Willis's interview with detectives.
27 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna No Willis verdict reached today. Jurors will resume deliberations at 9 am tomorrow.
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Jurors are filing out of the courtroom, about to begin deliberations.
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna As for Anderson's silence, "what did she get for her disclosure" of her pregnancy? "She got shamed, shunned, and silenced. Shipped away."
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Also says Willis's guilty plea to statutory rape was "not a measure of his credibility. It's a measure of him being caught. Red-handed."
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Prosecutor: Anderson didn't seek out the police last year. "She had no need to go down that road. She had no need to embellish."
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis lawyer: Convicting Willis "because of sympathy for Tina will add one more wrong to a case that has too many wrongs already."
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Closing arguments wrapped up. Defense said Anderson changed her story because she wasn't
treated as a victim in 1997, despite being underage

26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna @ cyandsimone Court broke for lunch after Anderson finished testifying. Closing arguments are next, and then the case goes to the jury.
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna @ Rhonda_65 He has pleaded guilty to statutory rape, but jurors will decide whether it was also forcible and happened more than once
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna @ cyandsimone Not sure I can answer that -- sitting behind him in the courtroom, I can't see his face.
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna @ bemijo Court broke for lunch. Closing arguments coming this afternoon, then it's in the jury's hands.
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis's lawyer asks court reporter to play back Anderson's earlier testimony about the abortion offer
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis's lawyer: "When you took the witness stand 15 minutes ago to talk about this" -- when jurors weren't present-- "you were not crying."
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Judge rules Anderson can testify to Willis's alleged abortion offer. She testifies about it now in front of jurors and gets emotional.
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Judge says he needs Anderson to testify to the statement before prosecutor can ask Willis about it in front of the jury. She takes the stand
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis denies saying that. But he testified that "I'm not someone that breaks the law typically," inviting questions about his character
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis prosecutor arguing to introduce previously suppressed evidence that Willis offered to punch Anderson in stomach to cause miscarriage
26 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna He admits to having "sexual contact" with Anderson twice but says that the first time, they didn't have intercourse
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis is taking the stand

25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna He didn't rule but took the defense's motion to dismiss the charge under advisement. Charge is for the rape Anderson said happened in a car.
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna With jurors outside, judge questioned whether enough evidence was presented to convict Willis of one of the 3 forcible rape charges he faces
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Asked why he thought that Anderson was willing, Willis ended the interview with police.
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Jurors hear an interview police conducted in 2010 with Willis, who said he had sex with Anderson once and she was "open to being physical"
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Phelps said he called for the "public repentance" to preempt press coverage: "Things are often tied back to churches."
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Phelps said Anderson was presented to the church in 1997 as "seeking forgiveness for allowing herself to be in a compromised relationship."
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Phelps is back on the stand, reading statement Willis made before the congregation in 1997, asking forgiveness for violating his marital vow
25 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Phelps: "I do not teach forgive and forget. I teach confront."
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Judge decides there is no privilege in this case. Says he will have written ruling, noting that the issue is worthy of appellate review.
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Jurors weren't in to hear: Issue is whether Phelps's conversations with Willis were protected by pastoral privilege. Judge is deliberating.
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Pastor Phelps about to testify. Prosecutor warns former church members in courtroom against negative reactions, which could lead to mistrial
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Anderson was looking down and shaking her head as her mother spoke.
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Mother says she would have pushed the police harder if Anderson had said she was raped, but says Anderson "yelled at me for reporting it."
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Mother: "I was under the impression Mr. Willis was going to turn himself in and admit to having sex with my daughter. That didn't happen."
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis trial about to resume this am, with Anderson's estranged mother again on the stand. Anderson is in the front row; courtroom is packed
24 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Anderson, questioned by Willis's attorney about when she reported allegations: "Would you remember something you did 14 years ago?"
23 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis attorney: Victim's "feelings of not being treated fairly created a memory. And in that memory, Tina thinks she said no."
23 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis prosecutor: "Fear, faith and family kept this secret for so long. For too long."
23 May
maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Courtroom is crowded but quiet waiting for former Trinity Baptist member Ernest Willis's trial on rape charges to begin. Jurors filing in.
23 May
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Victim Takes Stand In Willis Rape Trial

News 9's Amy Coveno Providing Updates From Court
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Good Afternoon. Christina Anderson is now telling the jury and a packed courtroom in Concord how she informed Ernest Willis that she was pregnant. She requested to talk with him in a public place, so they met at a restaurant in the Concord area.
by Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff at Monday, May 23, 2011 12:02:33
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We are in Courtroom 1 of Superior Court in Concord. Christina Anderson is now testifying that she told her friend Sarah Harrison about the rapes and the pregnancy and Sarah agreed to go with her to tell her mom about the pregnancy.
David Hurlburt/WMUR Staff David Sakowich/WMUR Staff Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff
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Christina Anderson is 29 years old now and is married. She has three young children and lives in Arizona. She testified that she has a masters degree in education and is an on-line tutor. The daughter she gave up for adoption is now 12 years old and is not aware of the circumstances of her adoption or of this trial.
Tina Anderson
by Kevin Clay/Staff at Monday, May 23, 2011 12:05:59
http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Victim_Takes_Stand_In_Willis_Rape_Trial?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:01:38 AM]
Ernest Willis, the defendant, is being represented by Donna Brown, she is the defense attorney who represented Christopher Gribble during his insanity trial for the Mont Vernon Murder trial.
Ernest Willis was 39 years old at the time of the assault. He has plead guilty to one count of felonious sexual assault but denies that the encounter was forcible and denies a secound assault ever occured.
"At one point, she asked me if I enjoyed it," testified Christina Anderson when she told Pastor Phelps and other church officials about the assault and the pregnancy.
Pastor Chuck Phelps is expected to testify. Christina is now describing how she ended up staying at the Phelps home during her pregnancy and was forced to admit to the entire congregation that she was one percent responsible for allowing a 'compromising situation'. Ms. Anderson is now crying on the stand.
Anderson is now reading from the book of Deuteronomy in the Bible verse 22, 23, 24 about how if a virgin lies with a man and doesn't scream out she should be stoned. She says Pastor Phelps had her read this passage after telling him she was pregnant and named Ernest Willis as the father.
Christina Anderson is testifying that she was expelled from school and kept isolated from her family during her pregnancy.
Christina Anderson says she was made to write a statement that "Chuck"(Pastor Phelps) was going to read to the congregation, it was apologizing for allowing a compromising situation to occur.
Ms. Anderson is now describing the discipline service. Ernie apologized for being unfaithful to his wife. Then Anderson says Pastor Phelps said, "now whe have a completely different situation to deal with" and Anderson read her statement about a compromising situation.
Anderson was sent to Colorado for the duration of her pregnancy despite her begging to go stay with her grandparents but she was denied and sent to live with strangers. The Landrys were a family that Chuck Phelps knew when he was a pastor in Colorado.
Tina Anderson says Ernie Willis paid for her plane ticket to Colorado. Her mother flew out to Colorado with her and stayed a day or two. Tina says the Landrys were very kind to her but didn't talk a lot. She says she felt lonely.
Tina Anderson is now describing how she was asked to choosed from the profiles of three anonymous families where her baby would go for adoption.
Tina is now testifying that she was forced to write a letter to Ernest Willis' wife apologizing for betraying her trust. Tina was a babysitter for the Willis' four children and 15 at the time of the sexual assault that impregnated her. Ernest Willis has admitted to being the father of the child- a girl who was put up for adoption immediately after her birth and Lutheran Medical Center in Colorado.
Counsel is having a sidebar with the judge. The jury has been advised by the judge that they can stand up and stretch during these sidebars. The jury is comprised of 6 women and 8 men- 2 are alternates. This trial is expected to last several days.
Christina Anderson is now identfying photographs being shown to her by the prosecution. They are photos of her in the hospital, holding the baby. The Defense it appears objected to these photos being presented to the jury- the judge announced their position is 'preserved' for the record. The jury is now looking at the photos.
Court is adjourning for lunch once every juror has viewed the photos.
We are signing off until 1:30 when court will re-convene. The jury is being reminded to refrain from talking about the case.
We are back inside Courtroom 1 here at Superior Court in Concord. Prosecutor Wayne Coull tells me he thinks he'll rest his case by Wednesday- then the defense will present their case. Most are confident that the jury will have the case for deliberation before the weekend.
During the lunch recess I spoke with Jocelyn Zichterman who founded the Independent Fund Baptist Cult Surviviors Facebook Group. She is the one who contacted Concord Police about Tina Anderson's whereabouts that re-opened the case against Ernest Willis. Zichterman says 25 to 30 church sex abuse survivors from
around the country are here in the courtroom to offer moral support to Tina- Zichterman says this is the first time victims have banded together in a case like this.
Tina Anderson is seated in the front row chatting with Jocelyn Zichterman as we wait for the trial to reconvene. Tina will take the stand to continue her testimony in a few moments.
Judge Larry Smukler is presiding over this case. He has just taken his place at the bench and is conferring with the attorneys.
Tina Anderson is taking her place back in the witness box. We are waiting for the jury to arrive. Testimony will continue until 4 pm.
Wayne Coull is continue his direct examination of Tina Anderson who says she spent two days with the baby before the adoptive parents took the child home.
Several supporters in the courtroom are wearing the color teal green- which they say is symbolic of survivors of sexual abuse.
Tina Anderson is testifying that she moved back to NH despite not wanting to and lived with her mother and went back to services at Trinity Baptist Church but was expelled from their school so she was home school.
Tina then went off to college -Maranatha Bible College in Wisconsin where one of the Deans advised her to 'keep her mouth shut' about what happened to her.
Tina is now testifying about the media crush surrounding her. She ultimately agreed to a single exclusive interview with 20/20 saying she just wanted to be left alone and chose 20/20 because they are 'investigative'. She turned down Oprah, The Today Show, GMA, and most recently CNN.
Tina says she does not have a relationship with her mother at this time. She believes her mother did exactly what she was told to do by Pastor Chuch Phelps.
Tina is testifying about how she would see Ernie Willis in church after she returned to NH from giving birth and
surrendering her baby for adoption.

Tina says that she had no idea people were looking for her while she was in Colorado.
Defense Attorney Donna Brown is now leading the cross examination of Tina Anderson.
Donna Brown is asking Tina about the sex abuse allegations regarding her step father Danial Leaf. Tina testifies that she was aware her mother filed a police report but says she believes her mother told police that she was lying about being molested and only filed the report because she was a 'mandatory reporter' and didn't want to 'get in trouble'.
Attorney Brown is now using a large white tablet and easel to sketch out the chain of events of when and who Tina told about the pregnancy.
Donna Brown is asking about the report of the pregnancy to her friend and her mother on October 7, 1997 and her subsequent visit to the doctor within a couple of days.
Defense is now asking about Tina's last menstrual cycle from 14 years ago. Tina says she can't remember but she does remember telling 'Ernie' about her pregnancy sometime in August.
Tina Anderson is now losing patience with the Defense Attorney Donna Brown, saying "I understand what you are doing and it's wrong." They are arguing about the timeline of when Tina told Ernie about the pregnancy and how long she took to tell her friend and her mother.
Tina says, " you are insinuating that I'm lying and it frustrates me."
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News 9's Amy Coveno is providing live updates from the trial of Ernest Willis, who is accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl, who was a fellow church member. The alleged victim, Tina Anderson, took the stand today. We will not have live video of the testimony.
Kirk Enstrom/Staff Kevin Clay/Staff David Hurlburt/WMUR Staff David Sakowich/WMUR Staff Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff
Who's Blogging
Tina is being asked about which restaurant she met Ernie Willis in to inform him of the pregnancy. It was on or around August 22, 1997.
Recent Liveblogs
Donna Brown is asking if Tina continued to babysit after the assaults, Tina says only once or twice, but that her memory is fuzzy as it was 14 years ago.
Atorneys are now having a sidebar with the judge. Tina seems exasperated with the Defense line of questioning.
Court is in a brief recess.

The defense just asked a couple of follow up questions. Now Prosecutor Wayne Coull is leading the re-direct. He asks Tina if she has ever been married to Ernie Willis- she says no.
Tina says Ernie apologized to her after the driving lesson that ended in her sexual assault and that he promised it would never happen again so she continued to take driving lessons from him.
Ernie Willis has admitted to one sexual encounter with Tina Anderson when she was 15 but says it was not forcible.
Tina Anderson is emotional and says she is trying to hold in her tears but it's difficult. Tina has been excused from the stand.
Sara Harrison is now being sworn in. She is a friend of Tina's. Sara lives in Pembroke NH with her two sons who are 17 and 15. Sara is disabled due to a bicycle accident- she was hit by a car in August 2007.
Sara testifies that Tina babysat for her.

Sara is testifying about the evening that Tina came to her to tell her about what happened. Sara says Tina was crying a lot and struggled to get her words out.
Sara is explaining how she and Tina sat down with Tina's mother to tell he she was pregnant. Sara said that she had to tell Tina's mother because Tina was so shaken up. Sara says Pastor Phelps was at the meeting as well. Pastor Phelps took Tina and her mom from Sara's home back to their home.
Sara Harrison has been excused. The judge is now having a sidebar with the attorneys.
Court is back in session after the final break of the day. Susan Capucci is now on the stand. She is Sara Harrison older sister. She works at that Concord YMCA child development program. She is a lead teacher there. She's been married 24 years. She used to teach at Trinity Christian School for 13 years. And she knew Tina Anderson ( nee Dooley)
Susan Capucci is testifying that she called Pastor Phelps when her sister Sara Harrison called for advice about Tinawho was visibly upset and didn't want to go home.
Susan Capucci is testifying about Tina's 1997 'apology' to the congregation in front of a couple of hundred peopleadmitting to being pregnant and saying 'sorry' for allowing a compromising situation.
No cross examination of Susan Capucci. She is excused. The
fourth witness of the day is now being called.

Now Christine Leaf is being sworn in. She is Tina's mother. She lives in Tilton NH and is 50 years old. She is married to Daniel Leaf. She was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in Concord but has recently transferred to a church closer to her Tilton home.
"Tina's younger," says Christine, " she's my baby."

Christine is telling the court that her husband served 7 years in prison for sexual assault.
"I only support the truth, not a lie," said Christine Leaf about not believing her daughter's claims that she was raped by Ernie Willis.
Christine Leaf is answering the prosecution's questions about her husband's criminal history. She tells the court they lived in section 8 housing Concord Gardens in 1997. She was doing clerical work for the state.
Christine is now answering questions about Pastor Chuck Phelps. She says he was one of the leaders of the church. She says it was her idea to move her pregnant daughter out to Colorado.
Christine Leaf says her daughter 'gave her a hard time'. She was 'stubborn'. Christine admits her daughter had good grades and says she was not aware of any boyfriends or dating.
thank you so much, Amy Coveno, for providing us with updates on the Ernie Willis trial!
by Teresa at Monday, May 23, 2011 15:45:09
Christine Leaf says it was HER idea to move Tina to Colorado. Prosecutor says, Tina didn't want to go. Christine says I wanted what was best for her.
@ Teresa. You are most welcome.

Is the mom testifying for the prosecution or the defense ?

by KP at Monday, May 23, 2011 15:49:14
She has been called by the state. The defense will have the opportunity to cross examine her, if they wish.
Christine Leaf emphatcially says she did the right thing sending her daughter to Colorado. She holds up Tina Anderson's success now as an adult as proof. She says her daughter is a college graduate with a master's degree, married a 'wonderful' man and has three children of her own now.
Christine Leaf says it was Tina's choice to give the baby up for adoption, if she had her way her daughter would have kept the baby. Tina is crying hard in the courtroom now, this is clearly difficult for her.
For Much of this testimony it appears Christine Leaf is addressing the jury directly. Many Tina Anderson supporters are openly weeping.
Christine Leaf testifies that Ernie Willis paid for the flight to Colorado and says she doesn't know why, 'maybe he felt guilty'.
Can you make any comment about how the jury is responding or their facial expressions during testimony?
by Leah at Monday, May 23, 2011 16:04:19
Court has adjourned for the day. They will reconvene tomorrow at 9 am. We are signing off for now.
@ Leah, the jury is attentive and non expressive. They are listening closely. They apparently expressed some concern to the court about the intense media coverage and wanted reassurance that they will remain anonymous, which of course they will,for the duration of the proceeding.
Thanks, Amy! And thanks to everyone for joining.

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Amy says the trial is on a 15-minute delay this morning

by Kevin Clay/Staff at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 10:10:04

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She will begin the updates when the trial gets underway.
Who's Blogging
David Sakowich/WMUR Staff Kevin Clay/Staff Kirk Enstrom/Staff Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff David Hurlburt/WMUR Staff
Good Morning. There has been a delay in the start of the trial due to the probation hearing on a different case in this same courtroom.
by Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 10:29:33
Lots of negotiating for seats here in Courtroom 1 at Superior Court. More media has arrived today.
Recent Liveblogs
At one point Attorney David Gibbs III who we are told is here on behalf of the Fundamental Baptist Church was seated next to where the victim Tina Anderson was sitting. Prosecutor Wayne Coull worked to rearrange the seating and move Gibbs further down the bench from Anderson.
Christine Leaf is on the witness stand. We are waiting for the arrival of the jury and Judge SMurkle.
The jury has just arrived and so has the judge. Prosecutor Wayne Coull is continuing his direct examination of Christine Leaf who is Tina's mother. Tina testified that the two do not have a relationship at this point.
"Who is Barbara Kingsbury?" Coull asks. "My sister-in-law." Christine Leaf answers.
Is there no video for this case?

by Nichole at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 10:48:30
http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Trial_Of_Ernest_Willis_Continues?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:03:55 AM]
@Nichole We do not have video for this case

"Do you deny that people were trying to reach out to Tina when she was sent to Colorado?" Christine Leaf: no. People were trying to put their arms around her.
Now Coull is asking about Pastor Phelps role in the decisions made after Tina disclosed that she was pregnant and the father was Ernie Willis.
Christine Leaf is now answering questions about the apology from Ernie Willis to Tina- "He apologized for having sex with my daughter," Said Leaf. This happened at the Phelps home.
Leaf is testifying that she has no recollection of time because it was 14 years ago and a 'difficult' time. The prosecutor is asking yes/no questions to Leaf about her decision to send Tina away during her pregnancy.
Leaf admits in court that she told Concord Police that Tina Anderson did NOT want to talk with them.
Tina's brother Tom Dooley is in court today. He just left the courtroom, seemingly, upset. His mother is testifying about how "Tina was mean to her when she was pregnant and called her a 'ditz'.
State: You made no effort to follow up with police did you? Christine Leaf: Why should I? They have the information.
The prosecutor is now presenting a letter that is posted on Dr. Chuck Phelps website. Christine identifies it as the letter. She says it was sent for the 20/20 program about this case.
State: in that letter you say that Tina is out for money. Leaf: yes. State: But Tina never asked for money. Leaf: That's not true. She needed money for the down payment of a house and we sent her some money from a worker's comp settlement. She paid back half.
Christine Leaf: This whole trial is supposed to be about Ernie Willis, not me. She isn't interested in getting even with him.

Tina Anderson is quietly weeping during her mother's testimony.

The state has handed this witness over to the defense who is now conducting cross examination. Donna Brown is asking Mrs. Leaf about a 1997 meeting where Tina told her she was pregnant. Tina said it was consensual, correct? Christine: She never said that to me but she never said it was rape.
Thanks for your updates!

by BrewCity_Fisk at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 11:04:12
Christine Leaf: Tina did not want me to report this to the police. She yelled at me. Donna Brown: If she had said she was forcibly raped you would have gone to the police. Leaf: yes.
@BrewCity. You are welcome!

Brown: You didn't push it with police was because Tina never said it was forcible rape. Leaf: Correct.
Amy- is the cortroom full today? And did Tom Dooley return?
by Amy is there any room in... at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 11:08:35
The courtroom is very full. Tom Dooley has not yet returned.
Christine Leaf says she has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice as well as an MBA so when her daughter claimed that Daniel Leaf 'touched her sexually' Christine said she knew she had to report her claim.
Pastor Phelps was involved with the incident with Mr. Willis because he was called by someone else. Pastor Phelps did not run my daily life, says Christine Leaf.
Pastor Phelps had no authority to tell Tina to go to the prison to forgive Daniel Leaf because DCYF was in my life, says Christine Leaf.
Attorneys are now having a sidebar discussion with the judge.

Ernest Willis is seated at the defense table, his face does not reveal any emotion.
The jury of eight men and six women appears rested and attentive.
Donna Brown is asking Christine Leaf to explain her statement that she believes her daughter is 'out for money'. From either the church and/or Pastor Phelps.
The state now has the witness on re-direct. No matter what, a crime occurred, right? Yes, sir, answers Christine Leaf. Leaf says police had reports by two people. State: did you think it was in your daugther's best interest to NOT speak with police. Leaf: I didn't ask them to NOT speak with her.
Leaf: I can't force my daughter to do anything. Prosecutor Coull: Except force her to move to Colorado to live with strangers and be away from her family and friends. Leaf: It was the right thing to do.
Christine Leaf has been excused. Now Barbara Kingsbury is now on the stand. She is married to Jerry Kingsbury, they live in Boscawen. She says she was born in NH. Barbara says she has two children, 25 and 33 years old. She says Tina Anderson is her niece.
Barbara is telling the court that Tom and Tina came to live with her after Christine Leaf realized there were marks on the kids and she didn't want Arizona authorities to take the kids so she wanted to get them out of the same house with her husband, Daniel Leaf.
Tina Anderson is seated in the front row and is nodding at this testimony at times as if she agrees.
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Cross examination underway now of Barbara Kingsbury. Tom Dooley has taken his seat in the courtroom again.

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The cross by defense attorney Brooksley Belanger was brief. She questioned the closeness of the relationship between Christine Leaf and Barbara Kingsbury. Kingsbury has been excused. We are now waiting on the next witness.
Who's Blogging
David Sakowich/WMUR Staff Kevin Clay/Staff Kirk Enstrom/Staff Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff
Matt Barnhart is now on the stand. He is a business owner, he delivers Pepperidge Farm Bread.
David Hurlburt/WMUR Staff
Recent Liveblogs
His wife is Chrisine Barnhart. They have four children. He formerly worked for Fidelity Investments. He is a former member of the Trinity Baptist Church.
Matt Barnhart is recalling the discipline service at Trinity Baptist Church where Ernie Willis admitted to being unfaithful to his wife and Tina Anderson admitted to being pregnant and apologized for allowing a 'compromising situation.'
Matt Barnhart is excused. We are now waiting for the next witness to be called. The judge has called counsel to the bench.
Christine Barnhart, Matt's wife is now being sworn in. They have been married nearly 19 years. She says she was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in 1994 they joined. She helped with the nursery and the Kiawana program that teaches the kids bible verses. She taught the four year olds.
Christine is recalling meeting Tina Dooley(now Anderson)
She describes her as a social butterfly and this makes Tina smile a little court.
Christine recalls Tina 'quiet' in 1998. She was present for the admission from Tina at the end of a church service. They called it "church discipline".
Christine says Ernie Willis and Tina Anderson were brought forward to the front of the church. She says pastor brought Willis first- he was disciplined for a marital affair. She believes just Pastor Phelps spoke. Then Tina was brought forward, she was disciplined because she was pregnant. She was spoken for says Christine, Chuck Phelps did the talking.
Christine says she was mortified. She says they were presented as two separate events.
No cross examination of Christine, she is excused. The fifth witness of the day is Dawn Fisher. She lives in Concord NH, of and on for ten years. She is 30 years old with two children. Her husband works for State of NH in weights and measures. This witness smiles easily.
Dawn Fisher says she went to Trinity Christian School with Tina Dooley ( Now Anderson). She says there were 12 students in her graduating class.
Dawn says the church and the school were a big part of her life growing up and that she was taught that pre marital sex was absolutely forbidden.
She says it was something that was understood, that it wasn't 'pounded over our heads'. Dawn Fisher is recalling knowing Ernest Willis. She is now recalling being asked to leave the church at the end of a Sunday evening service.
Christine Barnhart has been excused, no cross examination. We are now waiting on the next witness.
are they not breaking for lunch ?

by KP at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 12:13:58
The sixth witness of the day is Frances Earle. She has a grown son and two grandchildren. She is retired. She has apartment rentals that they own in the city. She does accounting and office work for the rentals.
@KP I imagine they'll break around 12:30 as they did yesterday.

Frances is recalling knowing Tina Dooley(Anderson) from Trinity Baptist Church. Frances was the church clerk for 14 years.
Frances left the church ten years ago.

Frances says she met Tina when she was 7 or 8 years old.
Frances is being asked to recount the discipline session at the church involving Tina and Ernie Willis. Frances says Ernie's wife got up and left and Pastor Phelps got up in front of the church and explains to the congregation that Ernie Willis has been unfaithful to his wife. I was stunned says Frances and she asked her husband why is that our business...that should be worked out between them and not the congregation.
"Pastor Phelps said it was very unusual to have two types of discipline on one night and then Tina got up and they made her read a letter aloud." Frances Earle testifies. Frances says never did Pastor Phelps say the two were connected. Frances says Tina looked scared to death.
We are now breaking for lunch. Court will reconvene at 1:30. We are signing off until that time.
We are back inside Courtroom 1 here at Superior Court in Concord. We're told that Pastor Phelps will testify next. The gallery is very full. We've been advised there could be a strong reaction from many in the gallery during Pastor Phelps' testimony.
Counsel just left the courtroom. We're not sure what the delay is about.
We are still waiting for the trial to reconvene.

Defense Counsel has just returned to the courtroom, Ernie Willis is taking his place at the defense table. Prosecutor Wayne Coull is coaching the gallery telling them this will probably be an emotional moment when Pastor Phelps takes
the stand. Many have not seen him for years. The prosecutor warns the gallery to refrain from any emotional outburst as that could prompt a mistrial.
Pastor Chuck Phelps is taking the stand now. But the Jury is not here yet. The prosecutor has some 'housekeeping' questions to address with Phelps ahead of the jury's arrival. He was Senior Pastor in 1997 of Trinity Baptist Church in Concord.
Pastor Phelps is defining "congregational governance" to the court saying he had not control over the finances and other fundamental elements of the church. He says there were 600-700 parishioners in 1997.
Pastor Phelps is recalling a distress call that had him and his wife respond to the Leaf home for a meeting with Tina Anderson, her mother and other. He learns that Tina is with child from Ernie Willis. Tina was 16 at the time of disclosure. He realizes she may have been 15 at the time of conception.
The next day Pastor Phelps says he reached out to Ernie Willis.
Phelps is recounting confronting Ernie Willis with the information. He says Ernie told him what happened. Phelps was conducting a bit of an investigation about the behavior that some of his parishioners were engaging in.
Phelps is recalling additional conversations with Tina, his wife and her mother were present as well as additional meetings with Ernest Willis.
Ernie confessed to his wife abut sexual activity outside of marriage with Pastor Phelps and his wife present.
Ernie Willis and his wife are since divorced according to those close to this case in the courtroom.
Is there a place to view yesterday's coverage?

by NhNative at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 14:12:25
@NhNative Here is the link: livewire.wmur.com

Is all this happening with the jury still absent?

by NHlover at Tuesday, May 24, 2011 14:13:02
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The trial of Ernest Willis, who is accused of raping and impregnating a 15-year-old fellow church member in 1997, continues today. See yesterday's coverage
Who's Blogging
David Sakowich/WMUR Staff Kevin Clay/Staff Kirk Enstrom/Staff Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff David Hurlburt/WMUR Staff
@ NHlover, actually yes. We are not sure why or when they will be brought in.
Phelps: Ernie told the congregation that he violated his marital vows.
Recent Liveblogs
The Dr. Chuck Phelps.com website is now being discussed particularly with reference to this case. Phelps says he is trying to protect himself and his family from death threats they have received. He referencing 20/20 program and the Concord Monitor's article that 'blamed' him when the story broke in 2010.
Phelps says he uses his website to combat untruths that are coming out about his involvement in the Tina Anderson sex assault and subsequent pregnancy.
No more questions from the State regarding disclosure. Now the defense is conducting 'voir dire' again this is all prior to the jury being brought in. It appears Pastor Phelps web page is at the center of this q and a prior to jury involvement.
We've learned by talking with prosecutors that at issue are notes that Pastor Phelps made during counseling sessions with Ernie Willis that were turned over the Concord Police without Pastor Phelps knowledge. Phelps' attorney are arguing a violation of Pastoral Privilege and trying to make
the notes inadmissible. The judge is now deliberating his decision and we are in recess.
The judge says he believes there is no privilege. The judge will provide a written order that causes him him to conclude that the rule of privilege does not apply. The judge is addressing Pastor Phelps about being asked difficult questions that he may feel he cannot answer them without violating pastoral privilege. The judge says the court is ordering the Pastor to answer the questions rather them the Pastor offering the information.
The jury has returned to their places. And Pastor Charles Phelps is being sworn in . He lives in Indianapolis Indiana with his family for the past two years. He was pastor of the Trinity Baptist Church here in Concord from 1989-2007.
Pastor Phelps is addressing the jury directly. He is making eye contact and his body is angled toward the jury. He appears comfortable and confident.
Pastor Phelps says people in his church are taught that pre marital sex is wrong but they are not taught to look down on those who sin. He is describing the guidelines at the school regarding dress codes and behavior.
Tina Anderson is shaking her head and crying as Pastor Phelps denies on the stand that Tina ever told him about being physically and sexually abused by Dan Leaf.
Pastor Phelps says in 30 years of ministry he's never forgotten a child who's come to him to confide that he or she is being sexually or physically abused.
Tina Anderson is crying and struggling to maintain her composure. Her brother Tom is offering comfort.
Pastor Phelps: I never told Tina to go to prison to see her step-father. Forgive and forget is so contrary to my training and my philosophy, I teach confront.
The judge has just called counsel to the bench.

We are taking a brief recess. The jury is leaving the courtroom.

Court is back in session. Pastor Phelps is testifying about going to the Leaf Home at Concord Gardens where there is 'a lot of crying and pain' He says Tina and Christine are in tears.
Again Pastor Phelps is speaking directly to the jurors. He says it was then revealed that Tina was with child.
Pastor Phelps says he has five children himself. He says that he assured the family they would keep this quiet and he encouraged her to get prenatal care.
Tina Anderson and her brother are not in the courtroom at this point.
Some of the jurors are looking directly at the Pastor as he speaks , others choose to look at the prosecutor.
Pastor Phelps says he contacted Mr. Willis the next day. He says what Willis did is wrong, he was married, over the age of 19 and not married when he engaged in sex with Tina.
Pastor Phelps is now weeping on the stand saying he was very concerned that Ernie would commit suicide. At the time I left the Leaf home my priority was to get Tina to a medical professional.
Counsel is now conferring with the judge.

The state is asking Phelps about "church discipline". Phelps says what was going through his mind is: Is this a sin, will this lead to church discipline? Are we living in a way that would please God? But Phelps disputes the prosecution's implication that Phelps was trying to determine whether standards of acceptable behavior have been violated.
Pastor Phelps just checked his notes from October 8, 1997 and says that Ernie told him he had two encounters with Tina about a month apart and that in a meeting later that same day with his wife present he told the Pastor that he was the 'aggressor'.
The reveal from Pastor Phelps notes about Ernie admitted to two encounters is a pivotal piece of testimony because the
defense is disputing the second assault ever happened.

Pastor: Ernie shared with his wife in what had happened. That he had been the aggressor in the relationship with Tina and that she was a child. There was a lot of crying.
Pastor: Tina didn't want the police to be called. She was scared.
Pastor: We had a room in the house called the Prophet's Chamber, nicest room in the house! It had a separate access. It had it's own bathroom, telephone, television. That's where Tina stayed for one night.
State: She had been expelled from school for being raped.
Pastor: she was expelled from school for being with child. She never used the word rape.
The Pastor is telling the jury about the Landry family in Colorado who home-schooled their three sons that he thought would be perfect to keep Tina during her pregnancy.
Tina Anderson is not in the courtroom for this testimony. Pastor Phelps is strongly refuting that Tina was in any way shunned from his church because of her pregnancy.
There was no money in the Leaf household to pursue other options according to the pastor. The pastor insists that the decision to ship Tina to Colorado was her mother's not his, he was merely helping and not trying to obstruct the investigation.
As it is nearly four o'clock, court is adjourning for the day. Pastor Phelps will be back on the stand for more direct examination tomorrow morning starting at 10 am. We are signing off for now to prepare for our WMUR-TV coverage at five and six.
Thanks for joining everyone. Watch News 9 to see video from today's testimony and Amy's full reports.
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Pastor Charles Phelps will be back on the stand this morning

by Kevin Clay/Staff at Wednesday, May 25, 2011 08:15:38
The trial is expected to continue at 10 a.m. this morning

by Kevin Clay/Staff at Wednesday, May 25, 2011 09:17:41
Good Morning. Courtroom 1 is open. 30 minutes ago the attorneys for both sides and the defendant Ernest Willis field into court and started to get settled. Then the entire party departed and it appears a conference is underway, perhaps last minute motions to present to the judge, we're not certain.
by Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff at Wednesday, May 25, 2011 10:21:12
Courtroom one is full this morning. Tina Anderson's brother and many supporters are here but Tina herself is not in the courtroom.
Amy, how does Tom look today and is Jocelyn in the courtroom?
by Melanie Blair at Wednesday, May 25, 2011 10:23:21
Good Morning Melanie. Tom is seated next to Jocelyn and
http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Day_3_Of_Ernest_Willis_Trial?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:07:05 AM]
both seem to be in a good frame of mind this morning.

It appears we are about to begin. Both legal teams just returned to the courtroom. Ernest Willis is at his customary seat at the defense table and Pastor Phelps is seated in the witness stand. Judge Smukler and jury have to arrive.
We're told Tina Anderson will remain out of the courtroom until Pastor Phelps is through testifying.
The jury and the judge have just arrived. Judge Smukler is asking the jury about their inadvertant media exposure...none raises their hand to acknowledge any media exposure to this case.
Pastor Phelps is reminded he is under oath. The state is continuing their direct examination regarding the church discipline that occurred in front of the congregation.
Again, Pastor Phelps is speaking directly to the jury and referring to his notes from 1997 regarding what he said to the congregation during the 'church discipline' when Tina Anderson and Ernie Willis admitted 'sins' before the congregation.
Pastor Phelps says these incidents were presented as Tina Dooley seeking forgiveness for allowing a compromising situation. Ernie Willis apologized for going outside his marriage.
Pastor Phelps is now reading Ernie Willis' statement that he made in 1997 about going outside his marital vows aloud to the jury.
by Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff edited by Kirk Enstrom/Staff at Wednesday, May 25, 2011 10:37:30
Defense asks to approach the bench at the conclusion of the letter being read.
We are taking a brief recess. It appears the defense has some objection to the reading of Ernie Willis' statement to the congregation in 1997 aloud to the jury.
The defense team and Ernie Willis just reentered the courtroom. The prosecutor is having a discussion with Donna Brown who represents Ernie Willis. We are still waiting for the judge and jury to return.
Judge Smukler has returned to the bench and is conferencing with the attorneys.
After a lengthy bench conference it appears the trial is about to get underway.
The Judge is now addressing the jury. Reference the testimony that was read aloud - the judge is referring to Ernie Willis' fifth amendment rights- whereas he can or cannot speak in court during this trial- the decision is his. His decision either way is not to be construed as an admission of guilt, according to Judge Smukler. The judge is asking jurors if they have difficulty following that instruction to please raise their hand...none do.
Now the state is asking Pastor Phelps for the statement that "Tina was made to read." The Pastor says he read the statement aloud and he is now reading the statement to the jury.
'It's with a heavy heart that I come before you to seek your forgiveness as I have already asked forgiveness of the Lord, that in the past couple of months I have been in compromising situations..."
Pastor Phelps is now testifying about the length of time that Tina stayed in their home. The debate is whether it's one night or longer.
State: Tina told you she didn't understand why she was going before the congregation in that service when you read that statement. Pastor: She crafted the letter. Tina clearly understood what the service was about. State: in your dayplanner you wrote " Tina having a hard time with guilt"
Pastor: I read to Tina from Deuteronomy 22. The passage is about a maiden in a field and she is accosted by a man, the
maiden screamed and no one was there to help her. Then the passage refers to a maiden in a city who is accosted by a man, she didn't scream. There is the appearance of complicity.
Pastor Phelps says he told Tina we are in a city we want to hear you and help you.
Pastor now reading verbatim from the bible the passage he read aloud to Tina when she was pregnant and 16 years old at the State's request.
Pastor says I was reading this passage to a 16 year old girl who had not been truthful with me but I did not imply that she would be stoned. That's a ridiculous application, said Pastor Phelps.
Now the defense on cross examination of Dr. Phelps. Donna Brown is asking about the report he made to Concord police in 1997. Before he made that report he spoke with both Tina and Ernie Willis.
My notes from Ernie are that he was the aggressor but that she did not protest and he thought it was consensual, Pastor Phelps.
Pastor Phelps, I did not report this as a violent rape if that is what you are asking. Donna Brown: Ernie used the word consensual when he spoke with you? Phelps: that's correct.
Phelps the note I have that Tina told my wife that she was 'passive'.
Phelps: I also called the after hours help line at DCYF but they indicated this was now a police matter.
Phelps: when I first said to Ernie I've heard some dreadful news...Ernie Willis said it's true, I'm responsible, it happened twice.
DB: Is one of the things Tina was dishonest about going to the Bedford Village Inn on her 16th Birthday? Phelps: Tina was very dishonest with me. State: Objection, non responsive. Sustained.
DB: You knew Willis had gone to Bedford Village Inn on her 16th birthday because he told you that he knew she was 15 because he took her to the restaurant on her 16th birthday.
DB: You knew there were receipts from BVI for Tina's 16th birthday. Pastor: yes.
Phelps: Tina said she'd seen him once and it never happened again and she reiterated that over and over again. Phelps: I figured Ernie had far more to lose than Tina by being honest, so I figured Tina was being dishonest.
Phelps: Tina told my wife, this happened once and it never happened again.
Phelps says Tina lied about Phelps' wife asking her if she 'liked it'. Pastor, begins to cry and says it's entirely out of the character of his loving wife.
Phelps says he totally expected there would be an arrest. that was why there was a church meeting but it was not a discipline meeting.
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Pastor Phelps is weeping on the stand, again...about his responsibility as a minister.


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A handful of jurors are looking intently at the Pastor as he testifies. Several are looking only at Donna Brown during cross.
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Phelps: the Bible says if someone comes to you and says will you forgive, than you will forgive them. "Forgive and Forget' is a philosophy that is contrary to everything I know. I never said forgive and forget.
Now Wayne Coull on re direct. Phelps: Tina lied to me. She was in a relationship with a married man. They went to the Bedford Village Inn and lied to me about, Ernie was immediately honest with me.
Wayne Coull: you're posing questions to a child without any training. Confrontational questions to the victim of a crime and you don't have any training, do you? Phelps: I have extensive training but not as a social worker or as a police officer.
Phelps: I'm finishing my answer, please. Prosecutor is asking Phelps if he regretted putting Tina in front of the congregation. Phelps: only because I saw that turn a young girl away from her church. Phelps: police never called me.
Phelps is excused from the stand. The state is now preparing to call their next witness.
Paul Gagnon is now on the stand. He was a Concord Police Officer for 22.5 years.
State is asking Gagnon about his role on the PD in 1997. He was an investigator with youth services then.
Gagnon is testifying about his call to Pastor Phelps regarding the report on the Tina Anderson incident. Gagnon says Pastor Phelps never called him back. Gagnon says he contacted Tina Anderson's mother, Christina Leaf.
Gagnon says Christina Leaf would answer the questions but she wasn't giving a lot of information.
Tina Anderson is now back in the courtroom, with her brother by her side.
Brooksley Belanger on cross examination of former officer Gagnon. One question: Did Phelps talk with Lt. Cross? Yes. Did Phelps report to DCYF? yes. no further questions.
We are now breaking for lunch. Court will reconvene at 1:15.

The state plans to rest their case today. And We're told Ernie Willis will most probably take the stand this afternoon.
We are back inside Courtroom 1. The state is getting organized for their next witness. Detective Chris De Angelis from the Concord PD who re opened this investigation in 2010 will take the stand next.
Of note: In pre-trial motions the defense moved that the word 'cult' and 'survivor' be banned during the trial. They were successful in their motion- although the gallery is filled with people who claim to be 'survivors' of abuse within the church and refer to the Independent Fundamental Baptist Church as a cult.
by Amy Coveno / WMUR Staff at Wednesday, May 25, 2011
13:13:36
Court was expected to reconvene at 1:15 but we are still waiting for the defense team, the judge and the jury to arrive.
The defense team is now presenting a motion to the judge outside the purview of the jury regarding a recording the state wants to play for the jury to hear.
The defense is asking the judge to edit out parts of the recording the state intends to play. The state vigorously objects to their request saying it will be exceedingly difficult to do at this juncture and the defense should have raised this concern during pre trial motions...the state says the defense has had plenty of time to review the disc and make this request before now.
The defense says this is an important issue and says its worth taking a couple of hours to edit the disc or even recess for the day.
The judge is becoming impatient and says he will not delay the trial. The defense is arguing that a segment of the recording is NOT neutral. The judge says it is not that prejudicial and he is not delaying this trial. The judge says he is bending over backwards to accommodate the defense in the regard.
The defense is arguing that if they mute the recording in front of the jury , the jury will presume that they are hiding something that Willis said when in fact the comment they are looking to eliminate is not something Willis said at all. Brown says within the context of what Phelps said the comment that is on the recording is highly prejudicial. The judge is overruling the motion. And the defense is declining to have the recording muted. Defense says they NEVER felt the statement is acceptable.
The jury is now in their places. Det. Chris De Angelis is now being sworn in.
He works for Concord PD- he's been there 11 years. He is assigned to youth services division.
Det. testifies that Jocelyn Zichterman contacted the department with new information about the Tina Dooley case from 1997.
Det. De Angelis says he then tried to contact Tina Anderson ( nee Dooley) in Arizona. He says he called he and she was not expecting the call.
Tina Anderson is back in the courtroom.. Jocelyn Zichterman and her brother, Tom, are on either side of her.
Detective says Tina sent him adoption documents from Bethany Christian Services out of Colorado. Det. also says he spoke with the Barnharts and others close to this case.
Detective says the current Pastor Fuller provided him with notes left by Pastor Phelps about the case.
Detective says he reached out to Ernest Willis in May 2010 to discuss the case. He agreed to talk with him at the Concord PD...another detective sat in on the interview, it was recorded.
Detective says he talked with him about Tina and the allegation that he fathered her child.
The state is now setting up a recorder to play a disc from that interview for the jury to hear. This is the recording that the defense fought to have edited but the judge overruled the motion.
The jury is now hearing the recorded interview between Ernie Willis and the Concord detectives that was conducted in May 2010.
Det: there doesn't seem to be a lot of question that this young girl who was 15 became pregnant and her child was given up for adoption. Willis says he doesn't remember signing any documents so that the child could be given up for adoption- in the recording.
Detective says in recording "I've got one side of the story and I'm just trying to get your side"
Det. says his understanding is that the state of Colorado would need Ernie's permission as well as Tina's permission for this adoption to go through.
Det: Is there any doubt in your mind that this child is your child? Ernie: no. ( this is recorded in May 2010)
DCYF was involved in this investigation said Det. De Angelis. Charles Phelps reported this incident to DCYF. "Tina and suspect admit that they had sexual intercourse. There was no force involved" from Pastor Phelps report to DCYF.
Ernie Willis said Tina babysat for his family and he knew her and her family through the church. Ernie in recording denies giving Tina driving lessons, he says he doesn't recall that.
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Today is day 3 of the trial of Ernest Willis, who is accused of raping and impregnating a 15-year-old fellow church member in 1997. Live Updates Day 1: Willis Trial Live Updates Day 2: Willis Trial
by Kevin Clay/Staff May 25 at 7:03 AM Kevin Clay/Staff Amy Coveno / WMUR Reporter
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Tina is listening to this recording and shaking her head and closing her eyes.
by Amy Coveno / WMUR Reporter May 25 at 12:53 PM
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Det. asks Willis how the relationship transpired. Willis says he doesn't have any details. It was so long ago and it was time in my life when I had a lot of turbulent things. My last parent passed away. I got laid off. I was 39 years old.\
Willis says it happened one time at her residence. Willis says she lived in Concord in an individual living unit. Willis says her mother was not home. He says they went they together. Willis says it happened in her bedroom, one time.
Tina is shaking her head and getting comfort from those around her during the recording being played.
Detective says there are two reports and the second report alleges a different version of events. Detective says the second report alleges physical force by you on Tina. She is alleging a rape not a statutory. She is alleging a forcible rape.
Det. says the first incident happened during a driving lesson. The second time she says it happened at her mother's apartment on the couch. Ernie says maybe she's lying to get herself off the hook because it was consensual.
http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Day_3_Of_Ernest_Willis_Trial?Page=2[11/28/2011 6:50:19 PM]
Ernie Willis is asking what prompted this to be reopened. He asks did someone come forward with a complaint? Det. says somebody who had enough exposure to the situation came forward.
Detective what possible motive would Tina have to lie? She is not the one who came forward. We sought her out. Ok? When we seek somebody out we tend not to get a false report from somebody.
Willis is asking if she referred back to her 1997 report.

Willis in recording says she is trying pass any responsibility off that is hers.
Willis says it happened one time. That is the truth. He says they went out driving. She drove. He denies any sexual intercourse when they were out driving.
Detective is asking Willis about being in Pastor Phelps house when they talked with her about this. Tina was moved into the Pastor's house following all 'this'. Willis says he isn't sure when they had the discussion with her.
Det. did you ever admit to the pastor that you were the aggressor? Willis: no. Det. so is the Pastor lying? Willis: I don't know. Det. were you the aggressor. Willis: I'm sure I was partly responsible for initiating it, yes.
2nd detective asks how did she go from being a fellow church member to a sexual relationship? Willis: that day she was open to, she had, ahh, was open to getting close, being physical. Det. : she was open to physical contact? Willis: correct. It might have been something mutually said. I need to go now.
That's the end of the recording. Judge asks counsel to approach the bench.
Tina is weeping quietly in her seat. She is leaving the courtroom with her brother.
The judge is instructing the jury that in this interview they just heard. He tells the jury you can consider the answers from Ernie Willis however you wish but in terms of the
questions, there were statements made by the detectives that are NOT to be taken for the truth.
The state has no further questions. But is admitting the recording as evidence. The defense now on cross of Detective De Angelis.
Donna Brown is asking about his interview of Tina Anderson, July 30, 2010.
It was a phone interview and recorded. Brown: during that interview she told you she met Ernie Willis at a restaurant to tell him she was pregnant.
Det. that was Tina's memory, it was around her birthday. Her birthday is August 22. Det. asked if it was possible the restaurant was the Bedford Village Inn. She said that was possible.
Det. Tina recalled that Ernie brought a pregnancy test to her house a few days after dinner at the restaurant.
Det. Date of birth is August 22, 1981 for Tina Anderson ( nee Dooley). The state rests.
The court is in afternoon recess. The jury has left. Now the defense is making a motion to dismiss the aggravated felonious sexual assault charge. Donna Brown in looking at Tina Anderson's statements the state has not proven the force. State Objects. Wayne Coull says the victim talked about physical protestations. Judge says there is one indictment alleging force or physical restraint. The judge is referring to the incident in the home, the 'victim' did say with some definitiveness that she did say no, with respect to the incident in the home. With respect to the incident in the car, the complaining witness said, it was 14 years ago, i believe I said no, or don't. Judge: my question is two fold: if that is the testimony, is there more? If so, what is it? Judge says if the standard is proof beyond a reasonable doubt is that sufficient? State says she was told to get out of the car to switch seats, States says she was pushed, that's a phsysical act. Coull: We have her descriptions of her dress being lifted over her head and talk of a push.
State believes that Tina's statement " I believe I said no, is sufficient."
The judge is now asking Donna Brown: is your position is that insufficient as a matter of law that Tina testified, "I believe I said no."
We're told that it's 'typical' for the defense to have charges dismissed after the state rests their case. In this case, the judge is taking under advisement whether Tina's statement "I believe I said , no" to the incident in the car rising to the legal threshold of saying 'no' "by speech or conduct".
Rebecca Hunter lives in Salisbury NH. She is being sworn in as the first witness for the defense. She has two bachelor's degrees and is a certified nurse midwife, she is not currently certified to practice in NH. In 1997 she worked for the Hitchcock Clinic in Concord.
Rebecca Hunter is referencing medical notes she made on Rebecca Dooley in 1997.
The midwife states she is a mandatory reporter for sex abuse but never has made a report of sex abuse to the state. Hunter is reading from her report, that states she came for an OB visit but was leaving for Colorado to have the baby.
Rebecca Hunter says Tina did not mention having sex more than once according to her report.
The state on cross.

Rebecca Hunter is excused. The defense calls Ernest Willis to the stand.
Ernest Willis is now 52 years old. He states he was 39 years old. He has an MBA. He's been an engineer, a realtor, a financial advisor and in sales over the course of his career. Ernie states he and Tammy Willis divorced four years ago. He has four children, two are grown and married. 26, 23, 14 and 11 are the ages of his children.
Ernie says he was a member of the Trinity Baptist Church in 1997. He says they attended several services each week. He says his oldest children were involved in the youth ministry as well. Ernie says he was an usher in the church. An usher is someone helps to seat people coming to the service.
Ernie says he knew the Leaf Dooley family in 1997. That
would be Tina, yes, he says. Tina Anderson is not int he courtroom for this testimony.
Ernie says Tina would babysit a couple of times each week when they were busy and needed help.
DB: In 1997 did you have sexual contact with Tina Anderson. He says, yes on two occasions. The first occasion was when we were driving in my car. We were returning to her residence and I inappropriately touched her knee, I brushed her hair back and touched her genital area as well. did you have sexual intercourse with Tina, no I did not.
The second occasion we were doing driving lessons as well. I asked her if she would like to join me in sexual intercourse. She said yes. We went into her home, upstairs to her bedroom. She removed her clothing, I removed my clothing and we got into her bedc.
DB: Did either time did Tina say no? Ernie: she did not. She did not to discourage me either time. There was nothing indicating to me that she did not like the approach, if she did I would have stopped and not gone any further.
Ernie says he did not use birth control. DB: There are four indictments in this case. Ernie Willis says the chart helped him that Donna used in her opening statements.
Willis is now testifying that he invited her out to dinner for her 16th birthday, he says that's a big deal for most 'kids' and he wanted to treat her for her birthday. Willis states she did not tell him she was pregnant at that time. They went to the Bedford Village Inn, Willis says he picked her up at her home.
Willis says he found out Tina was pregnant at the end of September.
Willis says she called him and told him she was pregnant.
Willis says he was shocked and surprised. Willis says he offered to purchase a pregnancy test and bring it to her , she agreed.
What I mean by 'consensual' is that she appeared to enjoy it. She appeared that she wanted it to happen. There was no
defensiveness on her part. Not by voice or by her physicality did she seem that she did not want this to occur.
I look back now and I can't believe I let that occur. It was selfish and I was overcome by my emotions. It hurt her and her family and so many other people and it never occurred to me at that time.
Willis is now identifying the indictment that he plead guilty to- the felonious sexual assault because she was 15 years old during the time he had sex with Tina Anderson. Willis states he has no plea bargain or deal. Willis says he plead guilty to the single charge because it was true. The other four indictments before the jury, Willis, says they are not true.
The state on cross. Counsel now having a bench conference.

State: You know there's a baby that's why you plead. Willis: I plead because it's a true charge, that's what happened.
State: How do you 'build up' to touch a 15 year old's genitals. Did you hand ever touch her skin on her vagina? Willis: yes. Her clothes were not off. State: what is it in your mind that make you think a 15 year old wants you to touch her under her clothing. Willis: it built up over time. We talked about movies, current events, stuff like that.
Willis: I am very sorry for what I did and how it impacted Tina's life, her husband's life, her mother's life, the lives of my family members as well. She should not be held responsible for saying no. I was the adult. I lost sense of my place. I'm telling the truth when I say there was one occurrence of sexual intercourse.
Court is recessed for the day. The judge is asking the jury to arrive by 10:15 for a 10:30 start. Ernie Willis will resume his place on the witness stand. We are signing off now to prepare for our coverage on WMUR-TV at 5 and 6.
Thanks for joining everyone and tune into News 9 to see video and Amy's report on today's testimony.
by Kevin Clay/Staff May 25 at 3:05 PM
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Ernest Willis Rape Trial Continues Into 4th Day

News 9's Andy Hershberger Providing Updates From Court
Ernest Willis was back on the stand today in his trial. He is accused of raping and impregnating a 15-year-old fellow church member in 1997. Live Updates Day 1: Willis Trial Live Updates Day 2: Willis Trial Live Updates Day 3: Willis Trial
by Kevin Clay/Staff at Thursday, May 26, 2011 13:12:59

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Start of trial slightly delayed.
by Andy Hershberger at Thursday, May 26, 2011 10:14:43
Lawyers making argument that defenant's testimony opens door to previously excluded testimony.
Can you share any new updates?

by Rhonda Whiting at Thursday, May 26, 2011 11:15:13
Tina Anderson returning to witness stand out of presence of jury to establish foundation for testimony about Willis' character, including statements that he offered to punch her in the stomach when she was pregnant or take her to a state where abortions were legal.
Anderson says Willis offered to take her to another state where abortions were legal and offered to punch her in the stomach in an effort to end pregnancy.
Defense questioning Anderson about her memory surrounding time she told Willis she was pregnant.
Anderson testiffying that she doesn't remember telling people close to her about Willis offering to get her an abortion.
http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Willis_On_Stand_In_4th_Day_Of_Trial[6/28/2011 4:09:44 AM]
Judge Lawrence Smuckler to allow questioning of Willis about whether he offered to get her an abortion or punch her in the stomach to end pregnancy. Willis expected to go back on stand after short break.
Cross examination continues with Willis on stand.

Willis testifies that he never offered to take Anderson out of state for an abortion and never offered to punch her in the stomach in an effort to end pregnancy.
Willis is off the stand. Defense rests. State to call Anderson as rebuttal witness.
Anderson back on stand.

Anderson tearfully testifies that Willis offered to pay for an abortion in another state and he also offered to punch her in the stomach to cause a miscarrage. Anderson also says Willis appeared shocked at the positive result of a home pregnancy test.
Cross exam of Anderson as rebuttal witness.

Defense lawyer Donna Brown points out that when Anderson told same story 15 minutes ago out of presence of jury she was not crying. Now on the stand, in presence of the jury, she is crying and her voice is cracking.
by Andy Hershberger edited by Kirk Enstrom/Staff at Thursday, May 26, 2011 12:02:59
Attorney Brown points out that Anderson can remember few other details around the time she broke the news to Willis that she was pregnant other than he offered to take her for an abortion and punch her in the stomach.
Defense asks court reporter to play back Anderson's testimony from hearing earlier this morning where she testified only before the judge and she was not crying, like she was when she told her story to the jury.
Jury hears previoiusly recorded testimony by Anderson made prior to jury being called into court.
Anderson says she wasn't faking the tears. Both sides rest. Time for lunch.
Thanks for your updates Andy!

by BrewCity_Fisk at Thursday, May 26, 2011 12:24:46
Andy, thank you .This is a great way to be a part of the trial.

by jeanniemarie at Thursday, May 26, 2011 13:12:50
Closing arguments begin. Defense first.

Defense lawyer Donna Brown says alleged victim's story keeps changing.
Defense says a conviction based on sympathy for the victim 'will add another wrong to this case'.
Defense - 'Tina was not forced to have sex.'

Defense says the testimony that makes the most sense is Ernest Willis.
Defense says Tina Anderson looks back and thinks she must have said 'no', but she didn't. Not guilty is the only just verdict.
State closings say Anderson didn't need to get involved with this case 14 years later, but she did.
State says this is about force and frequency.

State says a child was conceived because of the sexual assaults and Willis can't deny everything.
State says tina Anderson got no help from her family and her church when she became pregnant back in 1997.
State says fear is a reason to keep a secret and Tina Anderson kept her secret out of fear.
State says Anderson came forward so other victims would
not be silent.
State says when it comes down to the issues of force and frequency, the two most important issues in this trial, Tina Anderson is believeable.
State concludes saying this secret has gone on for too long.
Judge is now instructing jury on matters of law.

Jury retires to deliberate.

The jury is now deliberating. Sign up for our breaking news alerts to know when they come to a verdict: sign up here
The jury has been sent home for the day. They'll return tomorrow at 9 am.
Thanks for joining.

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Jury Deliberates In Willis Trial

News 9's Andy Hershberger Providing Updates From Court
Ernest Willis was found guilty on all four counts for raping a 15-year-old fellow church member in 1997. Live Updates Live Updates Live Updates Live Updates Day 1: Willis Trial Day 2: Willis Trial Day 3: Willis Trial Day 4: Willis Trial
Andy Hershberger

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by Kevin Clay/Staff at Friday, May 27, 2011 16:27:19
David Hurlburt/WMUR Staff
The jury is scheduled to arrive at 9 a.m. this morning to resume deliberations.

Kirk Enstrom/Staff Kevin Clay/Staff
Recent Liveblogs
We will have the verdict for you here as soon as it is read. Until then, there won't be a lot to report as the jury is deliberating.
Is there any idea on the time frame? How long does the jury have this morning?
by Simone at Friday, May 27, 2011 10:15:02
@Simone No idea on the time frame -- as long as it takes them to decide. They have all day.
Do you expect a verdict today or could it even be longer?

by Kelley at Friday, May 27, 2011 10:23:11
@Kelley We don't know. Some take hours and some take days
So how long have they been deliberating?

by Kelley at Friday, May 27, 2011 11:46:29
@Kelley Almost 4 hours now

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Jury_Deliberates_In_Willis_Trial[6/28/2011 4:10:48 AM]
Are you sitting in the courtroom just waiting, or do you get notified if/when they're ready?
by Jeffrey at Friday, May 27, 2011 12:03:25
@Jeffrey We'll get notified when they are ready and Andy will go to the courtroom.
Still no word. The jury has been deliberating for more than 5 hours now.
We are hearing that a verdict has been reached. It has not yet been announced what it is.
by Kirk Enstrom/Staff at Friday, May 27, 2011 15:46:29
Typically, the court announces there is a verdict, and there is time given for attorneys, their clients, family members, media, etc. to get to the courtroom.
@Kirk Enstrom/Staff How much longer?

by Lucy at Friday, May 27, 2011 16:08:30
We have not had an indication from the court of a specific time for the verdict announcement. It can take from 10 minutes to an hour, usually, between the time of the announcement that a verdict has been reached and when the verdict is read in court.
We have a crew in the courtroom and are waiting to hear from them.
Jurors are not yet in the courtroom.

Will you be broadcasting the verdict live on Channel 9?

by brian at Friday, May 27, 2011 16:13:57
We will not. We don't have permission for live video out of the courtroom in this case.
Willis has been found guilty.

He was found guilty on all four counts he was facing.

We have a story up now that will be updated as we get more
information from the courtroom: www.wmur.com

We're going to close down the live updates. Anything further will be added to the story linked below. Thanks for joining.
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Table of Contents for Willis Rape Trial Maddie Hanna tweets/Concord Monitor ....................................................................................2 5 May 23-24 .......................................................................

maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis is guilty on all four charges

maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Correction: Willis is here to hear the verdict

treated as a victim in 1997, despite being underage

maddiehanna Maddie Hanna Willis is taking the stand

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Victim Takes Stand In Willis Rape Trial

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http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Victim_Takes_Stand_In_Willis_Rape_Trial?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:01:38 AM]

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surrendering her baby for adoption.

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Victim Takes Stand In Willis Rape Trial

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by Kevin Clay/Staff at Monday, May 23, 2011 14:54:19

Court is in a brief recess.

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Victim_Takes_Stand_In_Willis_Rape_Trial?Page=1[6/28/2011 4:02:51 AM]

Sara testifies that Tina babysat for her.

No cross examination of Susan Capucci. She is excused. The

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Victim_Takes_Stand_In_Willis_Rape_Trial?Page=1[6/28/2011 4:02:51 AM]

fourth witness of the day is now being called.

"Tina's younger," says Christine, " she's my baby."

@ Teresa. You are most welcome.

Is the mom testifying for the prosecution or the defense ?

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Victim_Takes_Stand_In_Willis_Rape_Trial?Page=1[6/28/2011 4:02:51 AM]

Thanks, Amy! And thanks to everyone for joining.

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Live Wire | Trial Of Ernest Willis Continues | Liveblog live blogging

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Trial Of Ernest Willis Continues

Amy says the trial is on a 15-minute delay this morning

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Is there no video for this case?

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Trial_Of_Ernest_Willis_Continues?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:03:55 AM]

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@Nichole We do not have video for this case

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Trial_Of_Ernest_Willis_Continues?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:03:55 AM]

Live Wire | Trial Of Ernest Willis Continues | Liveblog live blogging

Tina Anderson is quietly weeping during her mother's testimony.

Thanks for your updates!

@BrewCity. You are welcome!

Attorneys are now having a sidebar discussion with the judge.

http://livewire.wmur.com/Event/Trial_Of_Ernest_Willis_Continues?Page=0[6/28/2011 4:03:55 AM]

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