CHAPTER 7
Six months later, the morning air was crisp and clear as I walked into Courtroom 402 of the Tarrant County Judicial Center for the formal trial.
I was wearing a simple slate-blue dress, my dark hair styled neatly, my posture straight and confident as I took my seat beside the prosecution team.
Derek sat at the defense table in a bright orange jumpsuit, his hair buzzed short, his body visibly diminished after half a year in county jail.
Gloria sat beside him in matching prison attire, her posture hunched, her hands shaking as she stared blankly at the wooden desk before her.
There was no crowd of supportive friends or adoring neighbors behind them; the entire public gallery was filled with domestic violence advocates, news reporters, and supportive community members.
"All rise for the Honorable Judge Richard Thomas," the bailiff announced loudly as the judge entered the room in his long black robes.
Judge Thomas took his seat, his eyes scanning the courtroom before fixing a stern, uncompromising gaze directly onto the two defendants.
"We are here today for the entry of formal plea agreements in the matter of the State of Texas versus Derek Carter and Gloria Carter," Judge Thomas declared.
May you like
The defense attorney stood up slowly, looking thoroughly defeated before he even began to speak.
"Your Honor," the attorney said quietly, "my clients wish to withdraw their former pleas of not guilty and enter pleas of guilty to all counts as charged."
