Testimony at the Michael Ball murder trial concluded Wednesday with James Baechler on the witness stand for the second day.
Baechler dated Erin Howlett for a period of time in 2008, and reconnected with her in 2013 – shortly before she was killed.
Ball has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in connection with her death.
During Wednesday’s testimony, Baechler told jurors that he initially didn’t tell police he and Howlett were using cocaine shortly before her disappearance.
“I didn’t realize how serious it was at the time,” he said.
“I didn’t realize she had been murdered.”
Baechler was also asked about a number of text messages he sent Howlett before her disappearance.
On June 26, 2013 – the day before she vanished – he declined Howlett’s suggestion that they hang out.
That, he testified, was because he “didn’t feel like a … pep talk.”
Defence lawyers questioned Baechler about cell phone records showing texts sent between his phone and Howlett’s the following day.
Baechler responded that he couldn’t remember anything about the messages.
He was also asked about a conversation he had with a friend prior to Howlett’s disappearance, in which he said that he hoped “we don’t find her in a river someday.”
Baechler acknowledged saying those words, and said he now regretted it given what happened to Howlett – whose body was found in a duffel bag in the Grand River eight days after her disappearance.
He told jurors that he was worried for the Elmira woman because she was “too nice and trusted everybody.”
When asked if he was involved in putting Howlett’s body into the river, Baechler responded “absolutely not.”
Closing arguments at the trial begin next Monday, with jurors expected to begin their deliberations next Wednesday.
