SULLIVAN COUNTY, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) – Jailmates of William Grimes testified Friday morning that, while incarcerated, he confessed to the killing of 85-year-old Lowell Badger.
Angela Wittrock stated that she has known Grimes since birth, as her cousin is married to Grimes’s father. Wittrock testified that while incarcerated, shortly after the murder, Grimes told her the story of why he killed Badger.
She quoted Grimes saying, “Artie wouldn’t quiet him down, so I had to do it.”
The quote references Arthur Grimes, William’s brother, who has also been charged with murder in this case.
Wittrock explained to the jury that inmates created a hole in the wall between a block of men’s and women’s cells in the Sullivan County Jail. Through that hole, inmates would talk and share contraband, such as tobacco. Wittrock stated that the hole is about the size of a quarter or half-dollar, but she could see Grimes and recognized his voice.
Bethany Stines was cellmates with Wittrock at this time. She testified that, while reading a book, she overheard Grimes tell this story to Wittrock. Stines also stated that Grimes made reference to a TV and a safe. Stines told the jury that she is sure it was Grimes, as he pronounces her name in a specific manor.
In the afternoon session, the prosecution introduced Indiana State Police Detective Nicholas Hatfield.
Hatfield was assigned to the Badger case in 2020.
In front of the jury, he confirmed each jailmates time spent in prison and that it aligned with Grimes.
He also spoke of a field test done, with another detective, near Lowell Badger’s home, that would confirm the last testimony of the day.
That testimony was by a woman who was in a relationship with Richard D. Taft, who was the second person arrested in the murder case after Grimes.
She stated that she got a call, shortly after the murder, from Grimes stating that Taft needed a ride.
That testimony stated that Grimes led her to an area about a mile away from Badger’s home, where she found Taft hiding behind a house.
Trial ended Friday earlier than expected, as the prosecution only has two testimonies left that will take place on Monday.
