SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The fourth day of testimony in the William Ray Grimes murder trial resumed Thursday morning with key witnesses and tense courtroom moments.
Coroner Dr. Roland Kohr detailed autopsy findings, including bullet entry and exit wounds on retired farmer Lowell Badger.
One witness testified that he saw Grimes briefly with another man the evening of the murder at a home in Merom, Indiana, where the witness admitted to underage drinking that night. He stated that he doesn’t remember the demeanor of the men. The witness said that he was at the home in Merom for a few hours that night.
Past court records indicate that this witness once said the men later returned to the scene with a TV in the bed of a brown pickup truck, but he did not repeat that detail in court. When prosecutors attempted to read from the prior statement, the defense objected, prompting a brief in-chambers discussion. Judge Hugh Hunt allowed a portion to be read.
The witness acknowledged he likely made the statement years ago but claimed he doesn’t recall it now. The witness stated that he told the truth at the time, as he was under oath.
The prosecution pointed out his reluctance, citing his body language. The witness responded, “That’s fair,” and later added he only testifies because “he feels like he has to.” He was dismissed shortly after.
The state then called the next witness to the stand. The second witness testified that he and his now-deceased son were hunting near the home of the victim, Lowell Badger, the night of the murder. He reported seeing a brown truck parked nearby and mentioned other suspicious activity in the area, including a white passenger car with a “Grimes” inside the vehicle.
The court recessed briefly for lunch and is expected to resume testimony this afternoon.
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