Derek’s Trial
Chapter 14 - Derek’s Trial
Derek faced charges including kidnapping by confinement, guardianship fraud, forged legal documents, unlawful medication conspiracy, and attempted theft of trust assets.
Lucy did not testify in open court.
Her recorded interview was admitted under protective rules.
Emma testified for two days.
Derek’s attorney displayed photographs from their marriage.
“You loved him.”
“Yes.”
“He helped raise Lucy.”
“Yes.”
“Then he was not always the person you describe now.”
Emma answered, “A safe breakfast does not erase a locked room.”
Mason testified only about the diner, pendant, and note.
The defense tried to portray him as a violent outlaw seeking revenge.
Mason disclosed his old conviction before the attorney could.
“I learned that using force to prove strength usually proves poor judgment.”
“Yet you stood between Derek and the child.”
“I stood near a child and called the sheriff.”
The jury convicted Derek on every major count.
May you like
He received twenty-eight years.
His fraud-linked shares were forfeited for restitution.
