Jeffrey Wogenstah’s long-awaited evidentiary hearing began yesterday, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the Hamilton Court of Common Pleas.

An expert botanist quashed the significance of the foliage on Jeff’s jacket by explaining that such foliage is not restricted to the area where the body was found: it grows throughout Ohio.

A forensic hair expert confirmed that the hair testimony at Jeff’s trial was flawed and should be discounted. When asked if law enforcement would have had access to Jeff’s naturally shed hair, he replied that law enforcement possessed numerous hairs from drains and sheets in Jeff’s apartment, some of which might have been naturally shed. (In closing arguments at Jeff’s trial, the prosecutor was adamant that the state was not in possession of Jeff’s naturally shed hair.)

One of Amber Garrett’s classmates testified that she saw Amber sitting in a truck, crying, at about 10.00 a.m. on the morning of Sunday, November 24, 1991. (Jeff was already in custody at this time.) Other evidence referred to the suspicious behaviour of the church bus driver who picked up children, including Amber, on Sunday mornings. The police were made aware of both incidents, but failed to turn over this, and other, evidence to Jeff’s defense at the time of his trial.*

The hearing also heard that the prison witness, Bruce Wheeler, only found out about Jeff’s case when he saw it reported on television. He testified against Jeff because he hoped for favors for himself. (See more here.)

The hearing continues today.

• See more: Appellant Jeffrey Wogenstahl’s Motion to Remand Case to the Trial Court, filed in the Supreme Court of Ohio, October 7, 2016 – Case No. 2016-0423; Pp. 61 – 63.