Zinah Jennings heard on tape: “I cannot provide for him, I’m not working.”

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — For nearly 2 hours Tuesday, the prosecution played a recording of a conversation between Jennings with investigators back in December. It’s the first time Jennings’ voice has been heard in public, since the case began. Zinah Jennings once again sat quietly in court Tuesday, but her voice wasn’t completely silent. Jennings was heard on the recording telling investigators that she needed a break from parenting and that she couldn’t provide for him because she didn’t have a job. Jennings’ son, Amir Jennings, now 2 years old hasn’t been seen since Thanksgiving of last year. The recording, at times difficult to hear, was introduced during the testimony of Sgt. Arthur Thomas of the Columbia Police Department. He and 4 others took the stand Tuesday, called by the prosecution. Columbia Police Chief, Randy Scott aslo testified Tuesday, but it was another face introduced during opening statements that was a surprise. Rodrick Mitchell, Amir Jennings’ father. This is his first public appearance in the case since it began. He too sat quietly, as the prosecution made their opening statements. The prosecution reminded the jury, Zinah Jennings is innocent until proven guilty. “I’d like to explain it like she has a cloak of innocence that’s wrapped around her. But you will see as each witness leaves this stand, a piece of that cloak will be ripped,” says Dolly Garfield, Assistant Solicitor, 5th Circuit. Meanwhile, the defense responded by saying the case wasn’t about Amir. “This is not about the child, it’s about Zinah Jennings and the fact that they cannot price she abandoned him, because they don’t know where the chid is,” says Hemphill Pride, II, Defense attorney. ABC Columbia did try to talk with Amir’s father Tuesday, however he declined comment. The prosecution is expected to continue with testimony Wednesday morning.