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Boy Left in Vehicle on Grand Mesa Fights For Life

by KREX News Room
by Courtney Griffin

Story Created: Nov 29, 2012 at 5:26 PM MDT

Story Updated: Nov 30, 2012 at 8:58 AM MDT

MESA COUNTY, Colo.- More details are emerging about what happened the night authorities discovered two small children in a dire situation on the Grand Mesa.

A 2-year-old boy was found dead, and his 4-year-brother was fighting for his life.

Now, the children's mother is offering a glimpse into what may have happened that night.

A search warrant obtained by the Daily Sentinel reveals the boys' mother, Heather Jensen, was the one who called 911 around 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Jensen reportedly changed her story, but eventually admitted to taking her sons to Powderhorn while meeting a man.

She claimed she left them in the car and got into the man's truck for about 90 minutes.

It was when she returned that she said she noticed something was wrong, and her younger son wasn't breathing.

By the time authorities arrived, 2-year-old William Jensen had passed away.

Four-year-old Tyler was rushed to St. Mary's Hospital by CareFlight, then taken to a children's hospital in Denver.

NewsChannel 5 has been in touch with the children's step-grandfather, Robert Mathena, who said Tyler's chances of surviving are slim.

"His liver and kidneys are severely damaged. His liver is so damaged that he needs a liver transplant, but he's too weak for one. It's horrible, devastating, heartbreaking; my family's devastated," said Mathena.

Mathena said he will be in Mesa County Friday at 9 a.m. for a custody hearing.

He says his stepson is hoping to get custody of Jensen if his condition improves.

Officials say an autopsy has been completed on 2-year-old William Jensen, but it's unknown when those details will be released.

Mesa County sheriff's officials say this is still being considered a death investigation.

That could change when the cause and manner of death are released for the 2-year-old boy.

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NOT MINE TO JUDGE said on Tuesday, Dec 11 at 12:32 PM

"persona non Grata" I notice you aren't willing to put your own name behind such a drastic and hateful statement. I only pray that someday you don't have someone judge you for a decision you make in the same way you are judging this young woman. My husband is alive and well. I don't know how I would handle it if he wasn't or what my decisions would be in finding some sort of peace and comfort in such an unspeakable loss, but I think friends of both sex would be helpful for a shoulder or support and would be grateful to have them. No matter what happened this young woman will have to live with the loss she has suffered in the past month and a half for her entire life and so will every other family member. She needs prayers no one can beat her up like to the extent I'm sure she will be for a long time.

Patrick said on Saturday, Dec 1 at 12:04 AM

White trash or not, those little boys were innocent, of well just about everything. Little ones depend on those of us that are supposed to know better. It breaks my heart that there are so many "adults" that truly have no clue how important they are, and how their actions affect those little ones. I read this story and and just sad. All I know is I read think of this sensless tradegy and learn someting from it, and go love and hug my own little ones. I hope those two boys rest in piece.

Really said on Friday, Nov 30 at 9:29 PM

Can you say, "White Trash?" I am so sick of children being the results of parents making bad choices!! It is "White Trash Power!" This is so wrong!Grand Junction is being over run by White Trash!!! It is getting worse and you all know it.

Daniel said on Friday, Nov 30 at 2:04 PM

Though Jillian is "trying" to be Christ-like, responsibility still must be taken for the life lost, and the poor decisions made.

Jillian said on Friday, Nov 30 at 11:49 AM

Everyone needs to stop the judgement, until we have the full story and results of what happened. I do not know this woman or her family, but I can only imagine what they are all going through. As for the comments that this mother abondoned her kids for a man. I don't think so, she was right there with them, just not in the same vehicle. None of us know what went on in that vehicle. How many times have you stood in a friends driveway and talked after putting your children in the car? We all have. I am sure she never even thought that her kids were in any danger. They were in a warm car and safe. Until the cause of death and the tests on the exhaust system are published, and the full story is known, we should not be judging. My thoughts are with all family members. They have suffered far too much the past two months. I hope and pray that the doctors are wrong, and Tyler will have a full recovery.

Persona non Grata said on Friday, Nov 30 at 10:19 AM

To Tragic, she must not be that bent out of shape over the loss of her husband considering she abandoned her kids to meet with a "man".

Just Say-In said on Friday, Nov 30 at 7:28 AM

'Tragic' apparently you know what happened so tell us. What was she doing? It is my suspicion that there was more going on with the mother and if this was an accident Investigators / Coroner would have said so by now.

Tragic said on Friday, Nov 30 at 6:49 AM

First of all, this family has had a tragic 6 weeks. Persona non Grata you should be ashamed of yourself. The mother was sitting on the side of the car, it was not abandonded. Should she have been checking on the kids? Absolutley. I think this is a tragic accident. She lost her husband 6 weeks ago, how do you think she feels know?

So Sad said on Friday, Nov 30 at 12:30 AM

There obviously was neglect going on before this happened, the mother should have had sense to hand over her children to somebody competent before this tragic event. So sad a mother would ignore her childrens needs over her own. God has a special place for people that hurt children.

Persona non Grata said on Thursday, Nov 29 at 8:56 PM

I hope the effing mother hangs herself.

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