Crime & Safety

Murder Trial Begins for Robert Jarrett, Charged with Killing Wife

The former Elkridge resident is accused of killing his wife and burying her under a shed more than 20 years ago.

The trial began Wednesday for a man accused of murdering his wife and burying her body under a shed in their yard

Robert Jarrett, Jr., formerly of Elkridge, was indicted in May for the 1991 murder of his then-wife, Christine Jarrett.

After getting permission to search the Elkridge property from Jarrett’s second wife, police found Christine Jarrett’s remains on April 18, 2012, under concrete, under a shed in the yard.

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Jarrett and his second wife have since divorced.

According to a spokesman for the State’s Attorney’s office, during opening statements in court Wednesday, prosecutor James Dietrich told the court that Robert and Christine Jarrett’s marriage was marked by infidelity and abuse.

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Jarrett’s attorney, George Psoras, told jurors not to rush to judgment, according to State’s Attorney spokesman Wayne Kirwan. Psoras said the state’s case was conjecture and speculation.

Two of the Jarrett’s neighbors in Elkridge and one of Christine Jarrett’s former co-workers testified Wednesday.

The trial is expected to last three weeks, according to Kirwan.

Related:

- Accused Wife Killer Called 'Normal Working Man'

- Body Under Shed Identified as Christine Jarrett

- Judge Rules 'Ill Treatment' Existed in Jarrett Marriage


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