MUSKEGON, Mich. — Testimony will enter its third day Thursday in the trial of Jeffrey Willis for the kidnapping and murder of Jessica Heeringa five years ago.
Heeringa, 25, vanished from the Norton Shores gas station where she worked on the night of April 26, 2013.
Jessica Heeringa went missing from Norton Shores on April 26, 2013. Much of Wednesday's testimony focused on that night, with the jury hearing from Heeringa's boyfriend — also the father of her son — about how he dropped her off and when he last spoke to her. Jurors also heard from Heeringa's last customer of the night, who said she seemed to be in a good mood; a motorcyclist who saw a silver minivan like the one Willis owns at the gas station; and the gas station customer who called 911 when he realized there was no clerk there.
In cross-examination, the defense questioned Heeringa's boyfriend about their "rocky" relationship, Heeringa's fidelity, her alleged theft from the gas station and her heroin use. The defense seemed to be raising the possibility that Heeringa may have simply left.
Her coat, purse and money, and car were found at the gas station. Her body has never been found.
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