Chapter 9 - The Verdict
The jury deliberated for less than three hours.
When the courtroom doors opened at 4:00 PM on Friday, the energy in the room was electric. News cameras were lined up outside the courthouse building.
“All rise for the jury,” the bailiff announced.
Judge Thorne took her seat. “Has the jury reached a verdict?”
The jury foreperson, a stern-looking middle-aged woman, stood up. “We have, Your Honor.”
Margaret Crawford stood beside her attorney, her hands trembling violently. Daniel stood beside his lawyer, staring blankly at the floor like a condemned man.
I sat between Victoria and Clara, holding Clara’s hand so tightly my knuckles turned white.
“On count one, aggravated felony assault, how do you find the defendant, Margaret Crawford?”
“Guilty,” the foreperson declared.
“On count two and count three, murder of an unborn child in the second degree, how do you find the defendant, Margaret Crawford?”
“Guilty.”
“On count four, grand larceny and wire fraud, how do you find the defendant, Margaret Crawford?”
“Guilty.”
Margaret gasped, her knees giving out. Her attorney caught her by the arm and forced her back into her chair. She looked around the courtroom wildly, but no one looked back at her with sympathy.
“On count one, conspiracy to commit grand larceny, how do you find the defendant, Daniel Crawford?”
“Guilty.”
“On count two, accessory after the fact to murder, how do you find the defendant, Daniel Crawford?”
“Guilty.”
Daniel didn't move. He didn't speak. A single tear rolled down his cheek as the handcuffs were placed back around his wrists.
Judge Thorne looked over the defense table with zero mercy.
“Sentencing will take place in two weeks. Given the horrific nature of these crimes, both defendants will remain in custody without bail.”
Gavel stroke. BAM.
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It was over.
As the bailiffs led Margaret and Daniel away, Daniel turned his head one last time to look at me. His eyes were hollow, filled with despair and the realization of everything he had destroyed. I didn't smile. I didn't cheer. I simply stood straight, watching the man who had abandoned his children be marched off to prison.
