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Jensen Faces First Hearing, Grandmother Awarded Custody of Bodies

by KREX News Room
by Cori Coffin

Story Created: Feb 5, 2013 at 12:15 AM MDT

Story Updated: Feb 6, 2013 at 1:08 AM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo. - After being arrested on Jan. 16 in Lee County, Fla., Heather Jensen made her way back to Mesa County on Feb. 3. She faced her first hearing in her criminal case via video through the Mesa County Jail Monday.

William Jensen, 2, and Tyler Jensen, 4, passed away from hyperthermia after allegedly being left in a heated vehicle for an extended amount of time under Jensen's care in Nov.

During the hearing, Judge Gretchen Larson told Jensen she is facing charges of child abuse resulting in death, negligent homicide and false reporting. Her bond has been set at $150,000.

Larson also advised Jensen that she is barred from having any contact with victims or witnesses in the case, as well as anyone under 18 years old.

In the second, civil hearing, Judge Thomas Deister granted Diane Mathena, the boys' grandmother, permanent custody of their bodies.

"It's going to bring some peace to the Mathenas. I think the community will be able to have some peace and be able to go by and spend some time at their grave site," said Greg Leavitt, the Mathena's civil attorney.

"It's been a long time coming. Now we can move on and start with the healing process," said Heather Aspy, a Mathena family friend.

"We will probably never be able to get back to normal again, but it's a process and we're going to survive it," said Robert Mathena, Diane's husband.

Diane and Robert have been fighting for Monday's verdict since gaining a temporary injunction on Dec. 6, barring Heather Jensen from cremating her sons.

"Thank God it's finally coming to an end. Thank God we get to bury the kids Thursday," said Robert.

The Mathenas plan on laying William and Tyler to rest next to their father, Eric Jensen, at the Palisade Cemetery.

Eric passed away in Oct. after rolling his vehicle in Garfield County.

"He loved those kids more than life itself. That's why we fought so bad for him," added Robert.

A service is planned for Thursday at 1 p.m. at the Palisade Christian Church. The Mathenas say the public is welcome to join them in saying goodbye to William and Tyler.

Jensen will be back in court Feb. 7, when her charges will officially be filed.

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nonspeculator said on Sunday, Feb 10 at 12:16 PM

no child can be roasted in a car in 35 min. at 540 the doors were open, therefore the heat in the vehicle escaped. everyone just assumes they know what another is thinking. while i may not agree with the cicumstances who would ever think that would happen. really read the news items especially watch the 9 news from jan 8th then you will see where im coming from. there were no records of abuse if they were abused the coroner would have said so. the hate wagon is only other peoples suppositions and have no concrete evidence for their stories. remember the telephone game?

Coloradolady said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 11:29 AM

These precious babies are finally going to be laid to rest even tho their little Spirits have already left and have been with God since their death. I'm glad they are safe now. It's just sad that someone didn't step in before this happened. Did she want them cremated so bruises or scars from abuse would be destroyed? She surely didn't want them cremated so she could put their ashes on the mantel and she could feel close to them for eternity. She couldn't do what she did and feel this way, too. Let me tell you something Heather. There is no man in the world worth losing your kids over and vice-versa. Our children are the most precious gifts to us and God has given us this gift to protect, love, cherish and honor. When you look back, was it really worth it? I ask the boyfriend, was your gratification really worth the lives of two precious little boys? Get a blowup doll, get a toy, but be responsible when it comes to children. Life is so short but they are now safe with God.

notinvolved said on Wednesday, Feb 6 at 6:18 AM

How can the family be worried about "the boys"? She killed them! It seems as though maybe you know this person and you are sticking up for a lady who didn't care enough about the safety of her children. Maybe they are questioning her negligence and if it had anything to do with other deaths, although that is probably far fetched. If this had happened in my family I would be beyond enraged and try to bash her at every turn, even though that wouldn't help with the pain. On a more personal note, I physically hurt when I hear stories of these poor babies and children being abused and neglected. I truly wish that there were laws that made birth control mandatory and that they would prevent any old person from having kids without a whole bunch of tests and screening. In a perfect world...

grego said on Tuesday, Feb 5 at 11:04 PM

disguisting?????...Get a rope for this poor uneducated person

nonspeculator said on Tuesday, Feb 5 at 7:59 PM

ann seems to think she knows alot but the timeline is all wrong why dont you just shut your stupid mouth seems all the vultures are worried about money instead of the boys youre disguisting

grego said on Tuesday, Feb 5 at 7:50 PM

I wonder...If this is not the first time she left the boys in the runnjng car so she could have sex...was she having sex with the same guy time after time???...If so, will the guy be charged too?? with some kind of charge??

ann said on Tuesday, Feb 5 at 8:43 AM

there are many of who know that this was not the first time you left your little boys alone in your 4 runner while you had sex. I hope you are looked into more. your boyfrend moved in with you 2 days after your husband died. how did he and your father really die each time you collecollect money .

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