TOP PHOTO: Rob White, Brian Allen's attorney, questions Heather Allen.
UPDATE: WLAF's Susan Sharp is bringing you gavel to gavel coverage again today. Look for her updates here through the day on Tuesday.
4:45PM- The Allen murder trial now has seen its sixth day, counting a day for jury selection, come to a close. Closing arguments are expected for Wednesday. After that, the case will be sent to the jury.
3:15PM-The defense has rested. Both sides will have rebuttal witnesses.
2:40PM- Rob White, Brian Allen’s attorney, is questioning Heather Allen. "Did you knowingly let your son lay there and suffer,” White asked.
“Absolutely not,” she said. Did your husband White continued. No, she said.
2PM- Heather Allen has entered her sixth hour on the stand. Currently, Andi Bridges is cross examining her. Bridges questioning is focused on Ausmus medical history and his ability to care for himself.
10:55AM- As Heather Allen described the night her son was flown to UT she became emotional. One juror was brought to tears hearing the story.
10:35AM- Heather Allen is still on the stand. Her attorney, T. Scott Jones, has walked her through her son’s years of seizures. Through the seizures, the hospital stays and the multiple medications the family attempted to give a “normal as possible life,” Allen said.
8:35AM- Heather Allen is describing how her son became ill. Through her tears she is talking about the heartbreak of having a child with a severe illness.
8:10AM- Defendant Heather Allen has just taken the stand.
JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Today is day five in Heather and Brian Allen's murder trial that began last Wednesday at the Campbell County Justice Center. The Allens are accused of killing their son, Tanner Ausmus. The couple is charged with first degree murder.
On Friday, the state rested its case. When court began at 1 pm Monday, the defense team began letting the jury hear its side.
Brian Allen testified on Monday afternoon, and Heather Allen is expected to take the stand this morning.
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. An eight man, six woman jury is hearing the testimony.
WLAF's Susan Sharp brings you gavel to gavel coverage again today. Look for her updates right here through the day.
Day one recap. (09/30/2026)
Highlights from day two. (09/24/2026)
Day three of the trial. (09/25/2026)
Here are updates from the fourth day of the trial. (09/28/2026)
(WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED 9/29/2026-6AM)
