JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- WLAF's Susan Sharp is in the courtroom again today sending you gavel to gavel updates from Heather and Brian Allen's murder trial.
TOP PHOTO: T. Scott Jones, attorney for Heather Allen, gave his closing just before 1:30 pm Wednesday.
2:18PM- The jury is starting deliberations.
1:55PM- The state is presenting its final argument. ADA Andi Bridges (above photo) has urged the jury to follow the law. “They want you to decide this case with your emotion,” she said of the defense. Bridges reminded the jury they took an oath to follow the law.
1:20PM- T. Scott Jones is giving his closing. He is stressing that professionals made decisions without talking to the Allens. Jones compared it to the children’s game of “telephone.” He reminded the jury that the defendants’ medical expert said Ausmus’ cause of death was MRSA pneumonia and not taking his seizure medications were not a factor. The expert estimated the MRSA invaded Ausmus’ system in 24 hours.
12:30PM- Rob White, Brian Allen’s attorney, has given his closing arguments. “When they thought they needed help …they sought it,” White told the jury. “They have been open with this investigation.” T. Scott Jones will be next.
10:55AM- Assistant District Attorney Andi Bridges has started her closing arguments. Ausmus had no choice, no voice, she said.
“You get to be Tanner Ausmus voice today,” Bridges told the jury. He relied on his parents. He couldn’t protect himself, she said.
“He couldn’t protect himself from them, Bridges said pointing at the Allens.
10AM- The court is preparing jury instructions as this trial nears deliberations.
The jury is expected to begin deliberations today in the Allen murder trial. Since last Wednesday an eight man, six woman jury has listened intently as a host of doctors have testified about Tanner Ausmus' medical conditions, his innumerable trips to the doctor and ultimately his death.
Two of the jurors will be released today as they were alternates.
Ausmus' parents also testified about their son. Heather Allen talked about the heartbreak of her son becoming ill with Meningococcal encephalitis at the age of four. It altered the course of his life. Brian Allen, Ausmus' stepfather, married Heather Allen when her son was six. He has two children as well. There were no "steps," he said. "They were just our kids."
Efforts were made to give Ausmus as normal a life as possible despite the challenges he faced, they both said.
Prosecutors are alleging medical neglect.
The Allens were cross examined by prosecutors where they asked the couple about their care of Ausmus. They questioned the parents about waiting "too late" to call for medical help in November 2023.
Ausmus died in 2023. The autopsy report said Ausmus had suffered from swelling of the brain, respiratory failure and dehydration. Along with these conditions, the 19-year-old’s muscles had started to break down, releasing toxins into his system. His kidneys and liver failed as well, according to the report.
The defense presented a forensic pathologist who disagreed with those findings. Dr. Meredith Frame said after a review of the records she believes Ausmus died a "natural death."
WLAF's Susan Sharp brings you gavel to gavel coverage again today. Look for her updates right here through the day.
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 9/30/2026-6AM)
