State watchdogs did little about abuse evidence on a father charged with killing his 5 children.

That was testimony by Lexington County Department of Social Services caseworker Sherry Henry Tuesday in Lexington during the murder trial of Timothy Jones Jr.

Henry went to Saxe Gotha Elementary School after bruises on Nahtahn, 6, were reported.

Henry testified she took photos of the bruises. 

His older siblings told her their father forced Nahtahn against a wall, holding him there after the child destroyed a toy train set.

She said Jones showed investigators how he “jerked him up by the shoulder.”

DSS followed up with 2 unannounced visits later.

Due to concerns, Henry had Jones sign a “safety plan” not to use corporal punishment, spank, or wrestle or horseplay with the kids.

3 weeks before the murders, Henry was called to the home after a babysitter complained about a spanking Jones gave Nahtahn and Gabriel, 2, during a visit to Disney World.

The babysitter testified in court Wednesday to the incident.

Jones’ ex-wife has sued DSS for negligence. That case has yet to go to trial.

Drug use detailed
Jones’ use of synthetic cannabinoids “exacerbated” his mental illness and irrational behavior,a defense expert witness also testified Tuesday.

Jones faces the death penalty if found guilty of murdering his 5 children in their Red Bank home.

He has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity.

Dr. Jonathan Lipman said Jones’ use of Spice or synthetic marijuana affected his judgement on the night of the killings.

“It’s gasoline on the fire,” Lipman testified in a pre-recorded video.

Lipman was qualified by the defense as an expert of neuropharmacology.

Lipman said Jones’ use of marijuana as a preteen also would increase his chances of developing psychosis.