Rape trial continues for third day for Nibley Man

FILE PHOTO

LOGAN — The jury trial for a 24-year-old Nibley man accused of rape continued for a third day in 1st District Court. Thursday the alleged victim’s roommate, mother, medical professionals, police detective and others all testified that Jacob L. Christensen assaulted the woman in 2011.

The roommate, who was with the victim the night of the alleged assault said that she and the victim were both sick and vomiting, after taking the sleep aid, Ambien. She said she was in her bedroom at the time of the incident and that being under the effects of the drug and the location of her bedroom could have prevented her from hearing the victim scream when she was reportedly assaulted.

The victim’s mother said the victim moved back home days after the alleged assault. She testified that there was a noticeable difference in the victim’s personality. She would stay in her room and didn’t want anyone to touch her, even family members.

Through the afternoon several psychiatrists testified about the victim’s state of mind after the alleged assault. Dr. Kyle Handcock from Mt. Logan Clinic testified that based on the victim’s testimony in court Wednesday, she showed signs of chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Handcock said the way the victim testified of having flashbacks of the alleged assault, saying she felt overwhelmed and not wanting to come back to Logan, are all symptoms of PTSD and not depression.

Later in the afternoon several nurses who treated the victim took the witness stand. Nurse practitioner Jeanlee Carver testified that based on police reports, witness statements, examiner reports and photos, the victim had five acute injuries to her genital area. None of them appeared to be self-inflicted.

The prosecution’s final witness was Logan City Police Detective Scott Bodily, who testified of interviewing the defendant after the alleged assault and collecting evidence in the case.

Judge Kevin Allen sent the jury home at 8:45 p.m. 

Closing statements and jury deliberation is expected Friday, after the defense finishes their case during the morning.

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