Chapter 24 - The Verdict
"On Count 1, attempted murder, how do you find the defendant?" Judge Brooks asked the jury foreman solemnly.
"Guilty, Your Honor," the foreman responded in a strong, unwavering voice.
"On Count 2, felony child endangerment and torture... Guilty," the foreman continued, reading down the long list.
Eleanor was found guilty on all forty-eight federal charges, including racketeering, murder, and financial fraud.
Judge Brooks looked down at Eleanor, her expression cold and devoid of any mercy or pity.
"Eleanor Vance, for your heinous crimes against your own family, I sentence you to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole," Judge Brooks ruled.
"You will spend the rest of your natural life at the Federal Correctional Institution in Hazleton, West Virginia," she added.
Eleanor let out a pathetic, dry sob as marshals clamped heavy iron chains around her waist and ankles.
The gallery erupted into loud cheers and applause as the wicked matriarch was dragged out through the rear exit doors.
May you like
Mark held Lily tightly in his arms, watching Eleanor vanish forever into the dark hallways of the federal prison system.
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