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202200334 they shared the costs of travel. While traveling, Defendant and Howard shared a room, but stayed in separate beds. Defendant testified that they eventually shared the same bed. Some witnesses testified that Howard's personality changed and it appeared Defendant made efforts to isolate her from friends and family. Erica Long, Howard's caregiver from approximately June 2015 to June 2017, testified that she noticed Defendant did not like her coming around. On one occasion, Defendant yelled at her over the phone and told her that Howard did not want to see her anymore. This struck Ms. Long as odd as she described her relationship with Howard as very strong- almost like a mother and a daughter. Ms. Long further noted that Howard was cautious with her words when discussing Defendant and that she seemed sad at times. Ms. Long described Howard as an "emotional mess" and that she was vulnerable and looking for companionship. She also testified that Howard was very much a "people pleaser." Howard's new caregiver Lynn Gipe similarly testified that Howard was cautious when she discussed Defendant and their activities, sometimes stating that Defendant did not believe it was anyone's business. Ms. Gipe first met Howard in July 2017, and provided her with care services until November 2017. Ms. Gipe was initially responsible for setting up Howard's medications, but then stopped doing so when Defendant reportedly assumed those responsibilities in October 2017. Ms. Gipe testified that she noticed a change in Howard's medications, with her receiving an extra pill of Lorazepam, which was an increase from her earlier dosage. Dr. Wagner testified that Lorazepam is a sedative used to prevent muscle spasms, and which can contribute to fogginess. Howard later reported to Dr. Wagner that Defendant took control of her medications in late October 2017 and that she could not remember things very well after that time. She also reported to Dr. Wagner that she felt she was being drugged. Defendant disputed these allegations, testifying that he had little, if anything, to do with Howard's medications. On October 4, 2017, Defendant and Howard made an offer to purchase an acreage located at 825 W. Hwy 34 in Grand Island, Nebraska ("the acreage"). See Exhibit 21. Defendant testified that the purchase was originally Howard's idea. Defendant owns horses and he lost his lease on pasture ground in 2017. As a result, he was going to have 3 Certified Page 3 of 17