Witness subpoenaed in drowning trial

Associated Press

LEBANON, Ohio

Jurors in the third trial of an Ohio man accused of drowning his wife in their bathtub could hear from a mystery witness as soon as Monday, when testimony is expected to begin.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that prosecutors issued a subpoena Wednesday for “Jane Doe.” Defendant Ryan Widmer is charged with murdering 24-year-old Sarah Widmer at their home north of Cincinnati in 2008.

The unnamed witness has not testified previously. Prosecutors have said the witness heard Widmer confess to his wife’s killing.

Lawyers finished seating a 12-member jury on Wednesday. The Middletown Journal reports that defense questions to potential jurors centered on drug abusers, stalkers and strippers.

A conviction in Widmer’s first trial was thrown out because of juror misconduct. A second jury deadlocked, resulting in a mistrial.