Daniel Bartelt's murder trial: Prosecutors call his mother to the stand

WASHINGTON COUNTY (WITI) -- Daniel Bartelt's mother took the stand on Wednesday, August 13th -- day three of his murder trial. Bartelt is charged in the murder of 19-year-old Jessie Blodgett of Hartford, that occurred last summer. Wednesday was the second day jurors heard testimony in the case. Blodgett was a talented actress who taught music lessons to children.

Daniel Bartelt's mom

On Wednesday, Bartelt's mother was called by the prosecution to give testimony. She says her son told her, and her husband he had a job for several months, when he didn't. They only found out the truth when investigators told them, after Blodgett's death. Prosecutor: "When you found out from law enforcement that your son didn't have a job, were you surprised?" "Yes," Bartelt's mother said in court. Prosecutor: "Why were you surprised?" "Because he was leaving every day and don't know where else he would have been going. He was leaving at the same time and seemed legitimate," Bartelt's mother said.

Jessie Blodgett

Bartelt's mother also testified that her son came home early on the day of Blodgett's death -- saying he was only working a half-day. Blodgett was found dead by her mother on the afternoon of July 15th, 2013. Bartelt faces four felony counts in the case -- one count of first-degree intentional homicide for the Blodgett death. Related stories: