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Step-Grandfather Wants Proper Burial for Jensen Brothers, Retains Attorney

by KREX News Room
by Amanda Brandeis

Story Created: Dec 4, 2012 at 6:54 PM MDT

Story Updated: Dec 5, 2012 at 12:08 AM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo. It was just a week ago that 4-year-old Tyler Jensen was found inside a car on the Grand Mesa, alongside his younger brother William, who had died when medical personnel arrived. According to the Mesa county Sheriff's Office, Tyler has died in a Denver hospital.

The children's step-grandfather, Robert Mathena, told NewsChannel 5 he has retained a lawyer in order to get custody over the bodies of both children. He says he wants to give them both a proper burial. Mathena said the boys mother, Heather Jensen, has told a family member she would rather have the boys cremated. Mathena does not want to see that happen.

Mathena said the family plans on holding a vigil either Wednesday night or the next.

Mesa County Sheriff's Office officials say the children's deaths are still being investigated, and at this point, it has not been ruled a criminal investigation. However, authorities say this case is very much active and ongoing. They say they're in the process of talking to many people involved, they're continuing to gather evidence and have issued several search warrants. Among the search warrants include the mother's car and home.

All documents associated with the case are sealed by a judge.

Public information officer for the Mesa County Sheriff's Office, Heather Benjamin, said, "It holds the integrity of the case together, it withholds that information so that if investigators collect evidence, they can then use that when they are asking questions, doing interviews or maybe going to another site."

Officials confirmed that Tyler's autopsy will be done by the Mesa County Coroner. William's autopsy has still not been released.



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Persona non Grata said on Thursday, Dec 6 at 1:53 PM

I wish Krex didnt have so many filters and blocked messages because I would love to explain how I really feel about these children's mother. What a pathetic miserable woman. I have yet to see her comment or anything regarding this whole story. She may not have killed them intentionally, but she needs to be doing some time for neglect leading to death.

Becky said on Thursday, Dec 6 at 1:26 PM

If the mother recieved $50,000.00 for the husband's life insurance, she should have some money to pay for the hospital bill that was incurred for her neglect, she should be court ordered to pay for that instead of enjoying a free vacation while trying to run from her problems.

JASPER TUDOR said on Thursday, Dec 6 at 11:37 AM

What kind of mother leaves her children unattended for 90 minutes?? I don't believe those boys died of monoxide poisoning. When all the evidence is gathered, I expect the mother to be arrested for murder. IF she left them in the car for 90 minutes, it was so there was enough time for them to die from whatever she used to kill them. Enough time to make sure they were dead before calling the police.

loveandpeace said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 8:15 PM

Knowing Eric and Heather through their way too short marriage, Eric was a kind sweet man while Heather a vivascious fun loving young lady. He and Heather loved each other and adored their children- the center of their lives. Every young couple has their problems but they were not about to give up. In life Eric stood beside his wife through thick and thin,I believe as he looks down now and sees his family spewing hate and untruths about his beloved he is shaking his head saying "shame on you"

Just Say-In said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 11:53 AM

The Magistrate who gave custody to the State when he was alive last week should now change custody to the Grand-parents. No more harm can be done by the mother to the little ones, rest in peace.

guest said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 11:53 AM

I too get ill when reading about this tragedy. My heart goes out to those family and friends affected by her selfishness. I would like to help pay for the lawyer, do we know which was retained? We shall see justice in the end, may the babies rest peacefully.

Becky said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 11:42 AM

I am glad the Step-Grandfather cares enough for these two boys to give them a proper burial. I have to agree with Just Say-In. This makes me sad, I have two blonde haired boys around the same ages. We have to live for our children, It's no longer about us when those "Gifts" from God are in our care.

Tom said on Wednesday, Dec 5 at 8:48 AM

Mother never been a mother should have no say so..Why is she not in the Crossbar Hotel??The grandparents lost their son now their grandbabies because a worthless doping mom put her needs first...

Patrick said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 10:17 PM

I hate this story. Everytime I read about it it breaks my heart. This woman has something coming. Mayhap she shouldn't have ever mothered these two blonde boys. It makes me love and hold my little ones even more. At least there is that. Justice be served I hope.

Friends of the family said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 10:09 PM

This is a tragedy that saddens this community. The mother should be in jail for leaving her children for so long in the first place and a cremation should not be allowed! The family should be able to see some kind of justice for this event that should not have even happened. Prayers to all the family and hope those boys have reunited with their daddy.

Just Say-In said on Tuesday, Dec 4 at 9:30 PM

I would venture to say she wants cremation so evidence is destroyed should the need rise for tissue or fluid testing. Hearts and prayers to the remaining family for their loss. Let the investigation go on the facts will come out eventually.

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