Watch Online

Watch Online
LIVE: newscasts on the Web

°

Homepage / Jacksonville News
Text Size

Father Of Slain Twins First To Testify In Murder Trial For Ex-Wife

POSTED: Friday, January 6, 2006

A grieving father took the stand and testified Friday about the last time he saw his twin sons alive; his ex-wife accused of murdering them.

Tommy Demeniuk was the first witness on the stand in the murder trial of his ex-wife Leslie Demeniuk.

According to police, Leslie Demeniuk shot her 4-year-old boys nearly five years ago.

During opening statements both sides painted two very different pictures. Prosecutors explained to the jury how Leslie Demeniuk got her gun, loaded it, and gunned down her sons as they watched TV. Defense attorneys described her as a troubled and depressed woman that was taking medications, which they said made her temporarily insane.

While on the stand, Tommy Demeniuk told the jury he tried to make their marriage work for the boys' sake, but after their birth, it was clear she cared more for her own desires than his or theirs. He said she drank too much, and after they separated, worried about his boys when they were with her.

Demeniuk twins
Four-year-old twins Jamie and Johnny.
"I didn't believe the lifestyle that she was leading was going to provide them with all their needs," said Tommy Demeniuk.

He told the jury she once said if the boys wanted to do drugs when they grew up, she would prefer they do drugs with her.

Under cross-examination, Tommy Demeniuk acknowledged Leslie was a good mother once, before her behavior changed.

Leslie Demeniuk's defense lawyers contended that when she shot and killed her sons, she was not in her right mind, and did what no sane mother would ever do.

Testimony is scheduled to resume Monday morning. The man who was dating Leslie Demeniuk at the time she killed her sons is expected to testify. He was the one that called 911 after walking in and seeing the two boys shot.

Sponsored Links

Links We Like

Sponsored Content
Employers generally have options when it comes to hiring. Makes sure you present yourself as professionally as possible, or else. More

You can pick your friends, but not your family -- or your neighbors. Here's what you need to know about how to deal with yours. More

It was bound to happen. There are now applications for your cell phone that can help you avoid speeding tickets as well as traffic jams. Drive carefully. More

Are you often tired or rushed in the morning? Give your morning habits a makeover, and start the day feeling positive and energetic instead. More

Most Popular

  • StoriesClick to Expand

  • VideoClick to Expand

  • SlideshowsClick to Expand

    • Must-See Pics: Hi-Ya!

      Get your daily dose of the cute and unusual right here.

    • Images: Locals Line Up For Sarah Palin

      Books-A-Million lineTwo days before former vice-presidential candidate and former Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is to stop in northeast Florida to promote her new book, "Going Rogue," dozens of people were already in line to get autographs.

    • Best Of The Worst: Mug Shot Hall Of Shame

      Kumari FulbrightCheck out these lookers who ran into the law.

    • Have You Seen These Fugitives?

      Capturing N.E. Florida's wanted suspects is a tough task, so the local station is trying to help with the Wheel of Justice. Every Thursday morning, the wheel spins and a wanted fugitive is profiled. Images: Fugitives On 'Wheel'

    • Cheerleaders Rally Troops

      Sweethearts for SoldiersTwenty eight NFL and NBA cheerleaders use their dance skills and personalities to raise the morale of soldiers both at home and overseas.