Chapter 14 - The Courtroom Arraignment
The formal criminal arraignment of Eleanor Vance took place on Thursday morning under intense national media scrutiny.
Eleanor sat at the defense table wearing a plain orange detention jumpsuit, her blonde hair unstyled and pulled back loosely.
She glared at David, who sat in the front row of the gallery holding his two sons' hands protectively.
"How do you plead to the charges of felony child abuse, assault, and endangerment?" Judge Ross asked clearly.
"Not guilty, Your Honor," Eleanor’s court-appointed public defender answered firmly on her behalf.
Prosecutor Gomez stepped forward, submitting a motion to deny bail due to the extreme risk of flight and witness intimidation.
"The defendant possesses hidden offshore funds and has demonstrated a complete lack of remorse," Gomez argued passionately.
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Judge Ross reviewed the evidence binder, nodding slowly before striking her gavel down with absolute finality.
"Bail is denied. The defendant will remain remanded at the adult detention center until trial," the judge ruled.
