A retired PSP trooper testified about accusing Jere Bagenstose of killing his estranged wife, Maryann Bagenstose, back in 1984.This was Trooper Ray Guth's second time on the stand. He became the lead investigator of the case in 1990. On Thursday, Guth testified to three conversations he had with Bagenstose during his investigation.On May 13, 1993, Guth and Johnson went to Bagenstose's home on West Willow Street. Guth told the jury Bagenstose appeared very nervous, at one point his arm was visibly shaking as he answered questions.A few months later, in August, the troopers went back to the house to talk again. Guth said Bagenstose never looked at him during this visit. At one point, Bagenstose resurfaced from the house with his new wife and divorce papers from his relationship with Maryann, Guth said.On Feb. 22, 1995, Guth told the jury he went to Bagenstose's workplace to talk. The conversation lasted hours, going from calm to confrontational. When Guth told Bagenstose, there was no doubt in his mind that he killed his wife."I know his story changed many times at this point, and I wasn't satisfied at all," Guth said. "Anybody that read the investigative would come to the same conclusion."Guth told the jury while he was saying this, Bagenstose never looked up at him, but he saw his eyes fill with tears. According to Guth, as he went through scenarios of what he thought happened, Bagenstose started to nod his head up and down.Guth said Bagenstose was sweating and developed a tic before taking a pill or two.At no point during the conversation did Bagenstose say he didn't kill his wife. Instead, Guth told the jurors he said, "I didn’t hurt her."Guth said he told Bagenstose that his son Jeremy deserves to know what happened to his mother.After being accused of killing Maryann, Bagenstose said, "If that’s so, then there are certain things that happened that can’t be explained," according to Guth.Bagenstose then tried explaining a phone call his sister received at work after Maryann's disappearance, but Guth said it did not make sense."She died that morning, and you’re the one who did it," Guth said to Bagenstose. Guth said Bagenstose got up and walked towards the door, claiming it was time for lunch."Just because you killed your wife doesn’t mean you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail," Guth said. Bagenstose stopped and listened to what else he had to say."You know I know you killed her," Guth said. "Let's get this handled."Bagenstose then left for lunch.The defense argued this accusatory behavior towards Bagenstose started just 10 days after Maryann's disappearance.
LANCASTER, Pa. —
A retired PSP trooper testified about accusing Jere Bagenstose of killing his estranged wife, Maryann Bagenstose, back in 1984.
This was Trooper Ray Guth's second time on the stand.
Advertisement
He became the lead investigator of the case in 1990.
On Thursday, Guth testified to three conversations he had with Bagenstose during his investigation.
On May 13, 1993, Guth and Johnson went to Bagenstose's home on West Willow Street. Guth told the jury Bagenstose appeared very nervous, at one point his arm was visibly shaking as he answered questions.
A few months later, in August, the troopers went back to the house to talk again.
Guth said Bagenstose never looked at him during this visit. At one point, Bagenstose resurfaced from the house with his new wife and divorce papers from his relationship with Maryann, Guth said.
On Feb. 22, 1995, Guth told the jury he went to Bagenstose's workplace to talk.
The conversation lasted hours, going from calm to confrontational. When Guth told Bagenstose, there was no doubt in his mind that he killed his wife.
"I know his story changed many times at this point, and I wasn't satisfied at all," Guth said. "Anybody that read the investigative would come to the same conclusion."
Guth told the jury while he was saying this, Bagenstose never looked up at him, but he saw his eyes fill with tears.
According to Guth, as he went through scenarios of what he thought happened, Bagenstose started to nod his head up and down.
Guth said Bagenstose was sweating and developed a tic before taking a pill or two.
At no point during the conversation did Bagenstose say he didn't kill his wife. Instead, Guth told the jurors he said, "I didn’t hurt her."
Guth said he told Bagenstose that his son Jeremy deserves to know what happened to his mother.
After being accused of killing Maryann, Bagenstose said, "If that’s so, then there are certain things that happened that can’t be explained," according to Guth.
Bagenstose then tried explaining a phone call his sister received at work after Maryann's disappearance, but Guth said it did not make sense.
"She died that morning, and you’re the one who did it," Guth said to Bagenstose.
Guth said Bagenstose got up and walked towards the door, claiming it was time for lunch.
"Just because you killed your wife doesn’t mean you’ll spend the rest of your life in jail," Guth said.
Bagenstose stopped and listened to what else he had to say.
"You know I know you killed her," Guth said. "Let's get this handled."
Bagenstose then left for lunch.
The defense argued this accusatory behavior towards Bagenstose started just 10 days after Maryann's disappearance.
'It really wasn’t an argument': Private detective testifies during Bagenstose trial
