And Never See Her Again by Patricia Springer

Author:Patricia Springer [Springer, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
ISBN: 0786017058
Publisher: Pinnacle
Published: 2005-06-06T14:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

The state's case against Richard Franks was proceeding as Greg Miller had expected. Each of their witnesses had provided the information they intended for the jury to hear concerning the day Opal was taken. It was now time to call investigators to introduce Ricky Franks and connect him to the crime.

Mike Adair, assistant chief investigator for the district attorney's office, was first to be called. Adair had been assistant chief for five years and with the DA's office for twenty years. Prior to joining the DA's investigative unit, Adair had served ten years with the Arlington Police Department (APD).

Adair took his seat in the witness chair, adjusted the lapel of his dark suit, and pulled the thin microphone toward him. Adair explained to the jury how he had assisted the task force by taking some of the possible leads in the Opal Jennings case to check out. One of those leads had been Richard Lee Franks. He was not asked, however, to explain that the lead had come from Jesse Herrera, Franks's probation officer, prior to contacting Franks. It was from that conversation, however, that Adair knew that Franks drove a black Cougar and had cut his long hair, shortly after Opal Jennings's disappearance.

Adair spoke matter-of-factly about driving to Franks's residence for the original interview. He told of seeing two vehicles parked in Franks's driveway, a black Mercury Cougar and a white Chevrolet, which appeared to be a Chevrolet Lumina.

"As a result of your initial conversation with Ricky Franks, were you left with the impression that he didn't know the Saginaw area?" Foran asked.

"Yes. I came away with the impression that he wasn't that familiar with Saginaw," Adair stated.

When Foran asked Adair if he knew whether Franks had ever worn his hair in a ponytail, the investigator testified that Franks said he had worn his hair long enough to have a ponytail and had, at times, pulled his hair back. Adair later stated that at the time of his interview with Franks, on August 4, 1999, the defendant was wearing his hair short.

Adair explained that he had met with his team of investigators, decided to begin a surveillance of Franks, and, finally finding him alone, took him into custody for an outstanding seat belt warrant. He told the jury that Franks was taken to the Special Crimes office on West Belknap and informed that he was under arrest for the traffic ticket. He also was informed they were investigating another matter.

Mike Adair was an excellent witness. His voice was strong, yet not overwhelming, as he explained the procedures he and his unit had followed in apprehending Franks.

Under cross-examination by Leon Haley, Adair acknowledged that when he first attempted to make contact with Franks, he hadn't been at home. Adair had left a business card with Franks's wife and it had been Franks himself who had called to make an appointment with Adair the next day.

Haley turned his attention to his client's arrest.

"Y'all didn't arrest him for your safety; you wanted to be able to get access to him.

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