- Jennifer Chiba is a 56-year-old Japanese-American singer who is famous for being the girlfriend of deceased singer-songwriter, Elliott Smith
- The Tokyo-born singer was accused of killing her boyfriend even after his death was reported to be a suicide
- Jennifer currently works at Maryvale, a residential treatment program for girls, in Rosemead, California. She also owns a private therapy practice.
Jennifer Chiba is a Japanese-American singer, who became famous for being the girlfriend of famous singer-songwriter, Elliot Smith. She came into the limelight as a person of interest after the death of the singer-songwriter. Even though ruled as suicide, some of Elliott’s fans still believe Jennifer was responsible for his death.
Despite being a certified therapist, Jennifer’s relationships were considered toxic. However, it seems the Japanese singer has let go of that life and is currently a practicing psychologist at a girl’s home in California. Jennifer is married to Alex Whomsley and they live a quiet but peaceful life away from the media.
Who is Jennifer Chiba?
Jennifer Chiba was born on June 17, 1967, in Tokyo. She is of mixed ethnicity, as her father, Hiroyasu Chiba is Japanese and Sharon Martha Wee is an American. They got married in Becker, Minnesota in 1996.
She has two siblings Alexander Masao Chiba and Miho Chiba Yates. Jennifer spent most of her life in the United States.
What Role did She Play in the Death of Elliott Smith?
Famously known as Elliott Smith, Steven Paul Smith was an American singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, who was born on August 6, 1969, in Omaha, Nebraska. He became famous after he signed a contract with DreamWorks Record where he recorded two studio albums.
His life was characterized by drug usage and heavy drinking. The Singer was diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Smith died on October 21, 2003, at the age of 34, from stab wounds to his chest.
Jennifer revealed that on the night of Elliott’s death, they had an argument, leading her to lock herself in the bathroom to shower. A few moments after she locked herself in, she heard him scream, and upon opening the door she saw him with a knife in his chest, she immediately removed the knife and called 911.
Elliott was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Jennifer found an alleged suicide note which read “I’m so sorry – love Elliott. God forgive me”. Though listed as suicide, a question of homicide was raised after his autopsy report came back in December 2003.
However, there hasn’t been any evidence to prove that Jennifer had a hand in his death, seeing that he had once threatened to take his life if DreamWorks did not free him from their contract. Many think he was capable of taking his own life, but some still believe that Jennifer had a hand in his death.
Other Facts About Jennifer Chiba
1. Jennifer Chiba was a Member of a Band
The late singer’s girlfriend began her music career in 1992 as a guitarist. In 2003, Jennifer joined the Happy Ending Band, an alternative rock band. Elliott Smith, her boyfriend at the time, was actively involved in the recording of the band’s music. Unfortunately, Elliott died before they could put out the debut album.
She was also a member of Hello Menno, a band that is based in Los Angeles.
2. Her relationship with Elliott Smith was Considered Toxic
For the period their relationship lasted, Jennifer and Elliott had a very complicated relationship. It was said that they had countless arguments and one of those arguments led to Jennifer pulling out a knife and chasing Elliott around the house. This led him to disappear for 3 days and he narrated the story to his sound engineer after he returned.
Other episodes involved suicidal threats by Elliott. Jennifer soon became used to those threats and didn’t pay any attention to them. The nature of their relationship caused Jennifer to be the prime suspect following Elliott’s death.
3. Jennifer Started Dating Her ex-boyfriend’s Fan After his Death
After the death of her boyfriend, Jennifer Chiba started to meet a fan of Elliott Smith, who later became her friend. Soon after, she started staying at his place, their relationship became intimate, and they became lovers.
However, the relationship did not last, as the supposed boyfriend accused Jennifer of being manipulative and violent, and would often threaten him with suicide. Also, she also tried to guilt-trip him at the slightest opportunity.
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4. She is a Trained Therapist
Funny as it may sound, Jennifer Chibba is a trained therapist. She earned her psychology degree from Trinity University in 1989. Jennifer attended Loyola Marymount University, where she graduated with an M.A in Clinical Art Therapy.
In 1995, she was certified as a Marriage and family therapist. She served in different organizations including the Five Acres, an institution that catered to abused and damaged children.
Jennifer is currently a therapist at Maryvale, a residential treatment program for girls, located in Rosemead, California. Additionally, she owns a private practice.
5. Jennifer Chiba is Happily Married
After the tragic death of Elliott and her other questionable relationships, Jennifer met and married Alex Whomsley. The couple lives a quiet life away from media attention.
Although it hasn’t been proven whether or not Jennifer was involved in the death of her late boyfriend, Elliott Smith, she seems to have moved on from the bad publicity and is making a good name for herself.
