Richardsons' relationship examined

By John Pepin, Journal Staff Writer
MANISTIQUE — As of mid-afternoon today, a dozen witnesses had testified in the Thomas David Richardson trial, primarily discussing Richardson’s relationship with his wife Juanita.

Richardson, 46, is on trial for murder and manslaughter in the death of his wife, who was killed in a 140-foot fall from the Pictured Rocks Cliffs on June 22, 2006.

Several people described arguments between the two and demeaning comments made by Thomas toward Juanita Richardson. Other witnesses said there was “bickering” between them, but said it was normal for their family.

Two emergency medical technicians testified about Juanita Richardson’s 1997 horse accident, when she fractured her pelvis. They said while Juanita was in the hospital, Thomas Richardson’s concern was not for his wife’s well-being but for whether the horse was OK, how much the hospital visit would cost and whether Juanita was going to be out of work for a long time.

Also today, friends of Richardson’s daughter Lindsey Richardson testified she had told them her father allegedly chased her mother with a baseball bat trying to kill her. None of the witness claimed they had seen Thomas Richardson physically abuse Juanita.

Richardsons’ other daughter, Laceine, was scheduled to testify today but was not called to the stand.