Chapter 16 - Elena’s Defense Collapses Completely
On the third morning of proceedings, Elena’s court-appointed public defender stood up to address the bench with a heavy sigh.
“Your Honor, after consultation with my client and reviewing the overwhelming digital evidence, the defense rests without calling witnesses,” he said.
Murmurs of shock rippled through the gallery; even the most desperate criminals usually attempted some form of fabricated alibi.
“Does the defendant wish to make a statement to the court before closing arguments?” Judge Harrison asked directly.
Elena stood up slowly, her orange jumpsuit hanging loosely on her frame as she looked desperately toward the press gallery.
“I was framed... my husband wanted me out of the picture, it was all a conspiracy engineered by the Vance family!” she shrieked.
Her unhinged outburst only solidified the jury's unanimous opinion of her unstable, narcissistic character and lack of remorse.
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The prosecutor didn't even bother offering a rebuttal, simply pointing out that the security footage spoke louder than any lie.
The jury retired to the deliberation room, returning less than forty minutes later with a definitive verdict of guilty on all counts.
