DeSoto, MS: Murder Jury Takes Trip To Crime Scene

FAST FACTS:
Sequestered jury takes trip to crime scene in Mississippi
Witness testify Gaither called police to get daughter from Hawkins
Gaither's estranged husband testifies
(Memphis 06/04/2011) - A special Saturday session of court for a jury hearing a murder trial that sounds more like a bad horror movie than real life. The case involves the stabbing and decapitation of 28 year old Charlene Gaither. Prosecutors say Gaither was killed by her boyfriend James Hawkins, father of her 3 children. They say Hawkins was involved in an incestuous relationship with their 12 year old daughter and forced her to help dispose of her mother's body. Today the jury got a first hand look at where Gaither's mutilated body was discovered.

The sequestered jury was loaded onto a bus and driven some 40 miles to DeSoto County, MS where Charlene Gaither's body was found dumped off a bridge.

News Channel 3 joined the convoy to the spot where a Mississippi Department of Transportation employee testified Friday he found her. Her head was decapitated. Her hands and feet had been severed.

"What was the purpose of taking the jury out to the scene? we just feel it's the best way to show them the evidence," said Missy Branham, Asst. Dist. Attorney to reporter Stephanie Scurlock.

A helicopter hovered above while officers in DeSoto County blocked off part of Highway 78. There was no discussion, no talking among jurors as they braved the heat for a look at the crime scene. They spent about 15 minutes there. Out of the presence of the jury, defendant James Hawkins was allowed to take a look.

"He wanted to go out there. A client has got a right to go out there. He was glad he did it. He basically rode down and took a look and came back," said Gerald Skahan, defense attorney.

Hawkins and the jury then were taken back to the CJC to continue testimony. A Memphis police officer testified a month before Gaither's death she called police and said she feared Hawkins had an inappropriate relationship with their 12 year old daughter. There was no proof of abuse so officers let the child who was with Hawkins stay with him. Gaither then went for an order of protection.

"He wants my 12 year old daughter to be around him often. Sleep with him and she has changed. Telling lies and disrespectful. I hope he hasn't molested her," read Deborah Coffman, from an order if protection filed by Gaither the month before she died.

Gaither's estranged husband, Melvin Gaither, is set to testify Saturday afternoon.