Helmick Murder Trial : Day 6
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Updated: 9:00 AM Nov 20, 2009
Helmick Murder Trial : Day 6
Sister of Victim Takes The Stand
Day six of the Miriam Helmick murder trial brought Alan Helmick's sister to the stand.
Posted: 5:54 PM Nov 19, 2009
Reporter: Chiara Lotierzo
Email Address: Chiara.Lotierzo@nbc11news.com
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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) – Day six of the Miriam Helmick murder trial brought Alan Helmick's sister to the stand.

Merredith Helmick-Von Burg had the first personal contact with Miriam in the hours following Alan’s death and her release from Sheriff's Department investigators.

She said Miriam seemed to worry less about missing Alan and more about knowing her rights and getting a lawyer. She also said, "She told me if she had wanted to do it she would do it at Lake Powell." Alan was a bad swimmer.

Miriam stayed with Merredith for three days and then wanted to go back to the Whitewater home where Alan died. Even with pools of blood on the floor, Miriam wanted to stay there.

Within weeks, Miriam skipped town, never telling Merredith.

Merredith says her last conversation with Miriam had been about finances, and she never heard from Miriam again.

11 News is at the courthouse covering the trial. We'll bring you details as they become available on this Web site as well as during our daily newscasts at 11 a.m., 5:30 and 10 p.m.


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