The victim of an Ohio man accused of kidnapping her testified at his preliminary hearing on Thursday, sharing chilling details about the late April ordeal, when she was found having a seizure and buried under heavy items at the bottom of a shed on the suspect’s property.
A reporter for WKRC- TV attended the hearing, where Dennis Dunn’s attorney unsuccessfully argued that his client should not be charged with kidnapping, and posted updates on Twitter.
Dennis Dunn walks in Clinton Co courtroom will have preliminary hearing @Local12 his attorney says nothing in complaint to say he kidnapped pic.twitter.com/WzN8edRgFN
— meghan mongillo (@meghanmongillo) May 4, 2017
The victim, Jennifer Elliot, testified that she had been acquainted with the suspect and exchanged cell phone numbers with him. She said they were never romantically involved.
Elliot said had exchanged cell phone numbers. He texted calling her "piece of sh**" Said she would go to Dunn's house to do laundry.
— meghan mongillo (@meghanmongillo) May 4, 2017
An officer who responded to the missing person’s call — placed by her mother the same day Elliot was found on Dunn’s property — said the mother suggested they question him.
Officer Keller says went to missing woman's home after her mom called. Said mom suspected Dunn because he had romantic fascination w Elliot
— meghan mongillo (@meghanmongillo) May 4, 2017
Elliot testified that she did not remember how she got into the shed, but recalls resisting when Dunn allegedly placed her in a dirt hole there, covering her up with heavy items.
Elliot voice shaking as she said Dennis Dunn said "your mine" and "I love you" as he put her into dirt hole in shed @Local12 pic.twitter.com/CiDTGUzdPI
— meghan mongillo (@meghanmongillo) May 4, 2017
The judge presiding over the hearing reportedly ruled there was probable cause to charge Dunn with kidnapping. The suspect will remain in custody on a $1 million bond.
Photo: Blanchester Police