JACKSBORO, TN. (WLAF)- Day three in Heather and Brian Allen's murder trial continues Friday at 9am at the Campbell County Justice Center. The Allens are accused of killing their son, Tanner Ausmus. The couple is charged with first degree murder.
TOP PHOTO: Medical Examiner Dr. Amy Hawes takes the stand at 2pm.
WLAF's Susan Sharp brings you gavel to gavel coverage again today. Look for her updates right here through the day.
3:55PM- T. Scott Jones has said in court that despite this being a homicide the Campbell County Sheriff's Office had no records on it when requested by regional forensic center.
3:20PM- The ME ruled Ausmus’ death as homicide by neglect. She said this type of homicide is rare.
2:55PM- The ME has testified Ausmus’ brain was swollen at the time of autopsy but no outward indication of injury. He was also very dehydrated.
1:55PM - Ausmus’ teacher from 2019 is on the stand. He was able to complete some tasks in the classroom. However, he could not communicate his medical needs. Ausmus did have seizures in the classroom but “recovered pretty quick.” The medical examiner is taking the stand.
11AM-Adult Protective Services (APS) employee Vicky McCaulley has been on the stand. Under cross examination, T. Scott Jones walked her through the dates before Ausmus’ death. Going over her APS records, Jones had McCaulley admit there were no dates in her records only days of the weeks. He called it a “conflation of dates.” Just before the break, Judge Zack Walden instructed the attorneys to stop making unneeded “side comments.”
See the recap of day two of the trial from Thursday HERE.
The trial will go a half day on Monday and then all day on Tuesday and Wednesday
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 will hear more testimony as day two in the trial begins. WLAF will be providing live updates throughout the day as we give you gavel to gavel coverage. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/25/2026-6AM-PHOTOS COURTESY OF WLAF'S CHARLIE HUTSON)
