KJCT8.com - Grand Junction, Montrose - Weather, News, Sports | Helmick trial focuses on attempted murder

Helmick trial focuses on attempted murder

DON COLEMAN
DCOLEMAN@KJCT8.COM

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KJCT) -- Day three of the trial against the Whitewater woman accused of killing her husband focused on one charge she faces.

Miriam Helmick is accused of murdering her husband Alan back in June of 2008, but she may have attempted to kill him two months earlier in April.

Lead investigators took the stand Monday. The trial focusing on that event in April of 2008.

 "Is this one page of the exhibit that was admitted? Is this correct," asked Defense Attorney Steve Colvin.

"Yes," responded Mesa County Sheriff's Office Investigator Jim Hebenstreit.

Helmick is accused of getting the idea to stick a wick into the gas tank of Alan's car from a violent scene in a movie. The scene was played at the trial.

"This is a copy of the clip from the movie we've been talking about -- 'No Country for Old Men,'" said Hebenstreit.

Prosecutors contend it all happened moments after Alan secured a business deal netting the couple more than $100,000. This was only four days after the movie was rented at the Helmick home.

But the defense says there's no way to prove Miriam was the one who watched it.

"And there's no way to know who watched it," asked Colvin.

"Correct," responded Hebenstreit.

"And there's no way to know if Ms. Helmick has ever seen this movie," asked Colvin.

"Correct," said Hebenstreit.

Despite that, prosecutors stayed on the offensive.

"Do you know how many people watch this movie four days before their husband's car blew up in a very similar fashion, or set on fire in a very similar fashion," asked Prosecuting Attorney Rich Tuttle.

"No. I don't," said Hebenstreit.

Multiple witnesses at the title company testified.

One said after Miriam used a restroom, "I could smell lighter fluid, what I thought was lighter fluid," said Deborah Paiz.

"And where, did you notice, was it coming from one particular spot of the bathroom, or just an overwhelming smell," asked Prosecuting Attorney Tammy Eret.

"It was pretty overwhelming, but stronger by the sink and trash area," said Paiz.

A little while later, witnesses say Miriam returned with a pitcher of water she had borrowed from an employee. That employee told the jury she thought Miriam's behavior was odd.

"I just think if it were me in that situation, I would be a little upset if my car had just been tried to catch on fire," said Ashley Helder. 

Monday was just the 6th day of a trial expected to last at least 27 days, and end December 18th. Hundreds more witnesses are still expected to be called to the stand.