Richard Mercer’s Trial
Chapter 12 - Richard Mercer’s Trial
Richard’s criminal trial began before the custody ruling.
Paul Drake survived and testified.
Helen Ward testified against her father.
The original brake photographs were admitted.
Richard claimed Charles created the culture of fear and obedience that made the crime possible.
The prosecutor agreed that Charles bore moral responsibility.
Then she asked:
“Who ordered the brake line cut?”
Richard remained silent.
The jury convicted him of conspiracy, financial crimes, and two counts related to Daniel and Evelyn’s deaths.
He received life imprisonment.
Helen received a reduced sentence for cooperation but remained responsible for arson and child endangerment.
Charles was charged separately with fraud, falsification of public records, obstruction, and pension theft.
He resigned from Mercer Rail.
The board removed his portrait from headquarters.
Rose opposed destroying it.
The company placed it in the employee archive beside the full investigation.
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Thomas asked why.
“Because forgetting his face would make it easier to pretend no one respectable could do what he did.”
