ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times

DATE: Wednesday, May 29, 1996                TAG: 9605290079
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-5  EDITION: METRO 
DATELINE: NORFOLK
SOURCE: Associated Press 

JAILED DOCTOR: NO PROOF THAT BODY WAS HIS WIFE'S PSYCHIATRIST SAYS PARENTS, WIFE BETRAYED HIM

A psychiatrist accused of murdering a woman whose body was later identified as that of his missing wife says he has doubts about the identity of the decomposed remains.

``To this day I have not been given written proof of the cause of death or an identification,'' Tobin Jones said in an interview with The Virginian-Pilot, his first public statement since his arrest. ``I don't know until I have proof. In the medical profession, one learns you need proof.''

Jones, who with his wife was involved in local theater groups, spends his time in the city jail either singing or complaining about his treatment and making demands for things such as pizza delivery to his cell, deputies and other inmates said.

Police identified Megan Jones, whose body was found May 18 wrapped in sheets and clothing in the waterfront home the couple once shared, through dental records.

Jones said he thinks about his wife.

``She helped me learn many things about love and the meaning of love,'' he said. ``She was a very loving person, yes.''

Jones, 36, has pleaded innocent to the murder charge.

A psychiatrist and medical director of the Norfolk Community Services Board until he took leave in March, Jones is being held without bond. He said he has no idea why police arrested him.

In a three-hour interview, Jones talked about his failed relationship with his wife and their shared love of theater and music.

He also talked about mistreatment he alleged at the jail, his inability to make phone calls, the lack of evidence against him and his desire for better food.

Jones confirmed reports that his parents had him involuntarily committed for two weeks to a mental health facility a couple of months ago. He said he took off his wedding ring the day before the commitment and felt betrayed by his wife and parents.

Jones said he is not mentally ill.

Jail officials said Jones has been a difficult inmate, throwing tantrums over limited television hours and not being permitted to have pizza delivered to his cell.

Other inmates said Jones urinated on the floor in front of the television outside his cell after deputies refused to turn it on one morning.

Jones said he was angry about a 60-hour lapse in phone service to the cellblock.

He also is charged with stalking and breaking into the apartment of another woman, an acquaintance who also worked in the theater.

LENGTH: Medium:   59 lines
ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO:  AP. Deputies and other inmates said Dr. Tobin Jones 
          spends his time in the Norfolk jail either singing or complaining 
          about his treatment and making demands.