Toledo murder trial concludes 2nd day

12/3/2008

The bench trial for a Toledo man charged in the 1995 strangulation of a woman whose body was found in a park near East Manhattan Boulevard continued yesterday in Lucas County Common Pleas Court.

Dean Randleman, 54, of 2230 Collingwood Blvd., is charged with murder in the May 17, 1995, death of 29-year-old Evelyn Rivers, whose body was found in a ravine in Miracle Park near East Manhattan.

The trial, with Judge Charles Doneghy presiding, is expected to conclude today.

During the second day of testimony, former acquaintances of Randleman's, including an ex-girlfriend, testified that he had come home later than usual that morning in May.

Judy Jones, who dated Randleman for several years, also testified that she noticed a change in him shortly after police began investigating Ms. Rivers' death.

"He was an ideal person before that. He was good to my kids. He was good to me," she said. But after the incident, she said, "eEverything changed. It was like he was angry all the time."

Ms. Jones also testified that she asked Randleman about scratches she saw on his arm. She said he responded that he had broken up a fight at the bar where he was a bouncer.

Also testifying throughout the two days were detectives who investigated the case. Recorded interviews with Randleman from more than 13 years ago were played for the judge.