Witness: Clements Offered Money and a Hooker to Kill Wife

PERRY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) -Robert Sybert testified at the James Clements’ murder-for-hire trial Wednesday that Clements offered money and an escort to kill his wife.

James Clements’ is accused of hiring Robert and Richard Sybert to murder his wife Joni Clements. Joni Clements was shot and killed in her home in Warner Robins.

According to Robert Sybert’s testimony, Clements talked about Joni a lot and even asked Sybert, “Will you shot my wife?”

Sybert said, “I would ask why don’t you get a divorce and he would say it’s easier to buy a bullet.”

From the stand, Sybert pointed at Clements in court Wednesday and said “it ain’t easier at all is it Eddy?” He testified that Clements offered Richard money, an escort and a car if he would kill Joni. “A hooker and a thousand dollars is not worth somebody’s life,” Sybert said.

Robert and Richard Sybert used to clean the Clements’ pool occasionally. Robert Sybert testified that Clements gave Richard Sybert a key to the Clements’ home. 

Jurors heard from seven witnesses, including Jonathan Sybert. Jonathan is the brother and son to Robert and Richard Sybert, who are also charged with murdering Joni Clements, James’ wife.

Jurors heard phone conversations between James Clements and Jonathan Sybert.  They were recorded by police shortly after Joni’s death.  James told Jonathan not to apologize for his family. 

Jonathan: I want to apologize for anything my family’s done.  I think they’re involved.
James: Don’t say that to anyone else, please.

…

Jonathan: You knew about it.
James: I will call you later.

The prosecution called Clements’ coworker Christopher Tillman to the stand. Jurors heard phone conversations between Tillman and Clements. Tillman testified that shortly before Joni Clements death he had a conversation with James Clements about a silencer. After Joni Clements was killed, James Clements called Tillman but this time he referred to the silencer as a “super trap”. Tillman says on first reference he didn’t get the “super trap” reference. Tillmans said he told Clements he had been contacted by the police and he was going to be honest. 

Jurors also saw physical evidence from the home, including the murder weapon, and graphic photos of the crime scene.

41NBC’s Jasmine Williams reports James Clements appeared to cry as this evidence was presented. 

Houston County Medical Examiner James Whittaker took the stand and confirmed that Joni Clements cause of death was multiple gun shot wounds. Whittaker explained that the heart injury was the fatal shot but Clements had excessive damage to the lungs and other organs.

Defense Attorney Frank Hogue told 41NBC that they intend to cross examine Robert Sybert first thing Thursday morning and alleged shooter Richard Sybert is expected to take the stand.