BOISE -- A judge has granted the state's motion to compel the testimony of Melissa Jenkins in her former boyfriend Daniel Ehrlick's trial. She would be granted immunity for that testimony, meaning it could not be used against her in her trial.
Jenkins and Ehrlick are accused of murdering Jenkins' son, 8-year-old Robert Manwill, whose body was found floating in a Kuna canal on Aug. 10 2009.
Both are charged with first-degree murder.
Ehrlick is also charged with failure to report a death to law enforcement, while Jenkins is charged as an accessory.
Last Thursday, prosecutors and defense attorney's argued whether Jenkins should take the stand to testify against Ehrlick during his murder trial.
Jenkins' attorney Rob Chastain did not want his client to testify because he says she is a chronic liar, and he argued that could get her in trouble on the witness stand.
Ada County prosecutors argued Jenkins' testimony is necessary in this case. Of particular interest is Robert's physical condition on the morning of July 24th, the day he was reported missing. The boy had complained of head, stomach and back pains that day.
According to court documents, Jenkins told the grand jury that Robert was having a hard time walking and stumbled down the hall of their apartment. She acknowledged she should have sought medical attention for Robert.
Fourth District Judge Darla Williamson wrote in her order that it is in the public interest to have Jenkins testify because she was a witness to Robert's condition prior to his death.
"Compelling her to testify is consistent with the functioning of government to solve crimes and to hold accountable those who commit crimes," she wrote.
