Trial of Clementine Myers delayed till Sept. 30
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The trial date was reset after the first two trials in the case, those of co-defendant Johnny Lewis and Myers’ son, Doug Myers, were held in August and January. The delay will allow the court and prosecutors to better prepare for the case, which is following two relatively rapid-fire murder trials of Doug Myers and Lewis, held just over three months apart. Clementine Myers was set to begin trial June 4.
Both of the recent trials ended in convictions with Doug Myers convicted on all counts of first-degree murder for the July 30, 1999 slayings of his long-time girlfriend, Dianne Watts, 42, her daughter, Jessica Watts, 10, and family friend Chelsie Smith, 13. He is presently serving consecutive life without parole sentences for his conviction while Lewis is serving a 65-year term for his role the crime.
Doug Myers’ brother, Gary Myers, will likely be allowed to enter a plea agreement due to his cooperation with authorities.
He was originally charged with criminal knowledge to the crime of murder in the case of the elder Watts.
Gary Myers will likely be a key witness against his mother when she goes to trial this fall in Cookeville. All the cases have been moved to Cookeville to ensure a fair trial given publicity surrounding the crimes.
In his testimony during the earlier two cases, Gary Myers testified he saw his mother wearing gloves and counting out money in the kitchen of her home the day after the murders. Lewis was also reportedly at the house, leading lawmen to suspect the money was a form of pay-off for Lewis’ involvement.
When Clementine Myers goes to trial, prosecutors will reportedly try to link her in a broad conspiracy which led to the killings, both before and after the crime. She is not accused of physically taking part in the murders. She remains free on bond awaiting trial.