CONWAY, SC (WBTW) – During day 8 of Tammy Moorer’s kidnapping trial, the state rested its case and Tammy Moorer said she will take the stand. Tammy is expected to testify Thursday morning.
Irene Moorer, Sidney’s mother took the stand. She testified that on Christmas Eve 2013, she got an unexpected visit from Sidney, Tammy, and their children. She said during that visit she had two hour conversation with Tammy and Sidney. She testified that Tammy said she quote “beat the hell out of him,” in regards to Sidney.
John Caulder with the crime scene unit at Horry County Police Depart ment also took the stand. He testified to searching the Moorer’s truck when it was taken to the police station.
Caulder testified that when he got the truck all he knew was it belonged to someone Heather Elvis had a relationship with. He said he didn’t swab for DNA assuming her DNA was already in there. He also didn’t know the truck was bought after Heather and Sidney’s relationship ended.
During cross examination, he testified he did not look for fibers or Heather Elvis’ hair. He said at that time he didn’t know of a violent crime occurring. He said he looked for blood but did not find any.
The defense asked Caulder, if someone was injured you would expect there to be evidence. Caulden responded saying, “If there was some type of blood evidence in the vehicle I would hope so, yes.”
The prosecution asked, “If she was strangled, would you expect to find blood from that?” Caulder’s responded no.
Tammy Moorer’s cousin, Donald Demarino took the stand. He testified Sindey Moorer showed him a picture of Heather Elvis on his phone after Heather’s disappearance.
The prosecution asked if it looked like Heather could walk or talk in the photo. Demarino said no.
The prosecution then asked that after looking at the photo if he expected anyone to hear from Heather Elvis, and Demarino responded no.
During cross examination, the defense brought up Demarino’s previous drug use and current breaking and entering charges that are pending in Horry County. Demarino testified he did not receive any deal from the Solicitor’s office for his testimony.
The defense then played an audio recording from a phone call between Demarino and his mother while he was in jail. During the call, Demarino said they never showed him a picture. He then told the court he lied to his mom to not worry her.
The defense then asked, “You testified here under oath that you never lied to your mother, right?”
Demarino respondes, “Right.” The defense then said, “And we just caught you in a lie?” Demarino responded, “Right.”
The state rested their case Wednesday. After that, the defense asked the judge for a directed verdict, which is basically a mistrial; arguing the prosecution did not present enough evidence for the jury to make a decision.
Judge Benjamin Culbertson denied that motion. The defense also asked for a mistrial. That motion was denied.
News 13 spoke with the Elvis family after sitting through testimony for nearly two weeks.
“She’s not allegedly a victim, she’s not allegedly missing, she’s not that young lady, she’s Heather Elvis and she’s missing,” said Terry Elvis, Heather’s father.
Her sister Morgan Elvis said, “I was afraid to take the stand because I don’t want to say how old I was specifically because that means admitting that I outlived my older sister.”
The Elvis family said they won’t have closure until Heather is found.
“It’s not over, it’s nearly 5 years of kidnapping every second of every minute of every day,” said Terry Elvis.
The defense will call their witnesses Thursday.
