Chapter 11 - DEREK’S FIRST STORY
Derek denied everything.
He said Noah had behavioral problems.
Pica.
Attention-seeking.
Jealousy.
Lying.
He produced an email from school:
Noah has recently shown anxiety and difficulty with peers.
True.
Another:
Noah put a paperclip in his mouth during class.
Also true.
The defense built:
Child with history of mouthing nonfood objects.
Could have swallowed magnets independently.
Then the prosecution asked:
Why did Derek search “multiple magnets dangerous” hours before Noah reached the hospital?
Derek said Noah told him he might have swallowed some.
“Why didn’t you take him to care?”
“He was laughing.”
Was he?
No one supported that.
“Why text Emily that Noah was faking?”
“Because he does.”
“Why were five magnets missing from the desk set that evening?”
“I don’t inventory toys.”
Reasonable alone.
Then peanut butter.
Spoon.
Child statement.
Emily’s testimony.
Neighbor video.
Search history.
May you like
No one fact finished the case.
Together they began to form a shape.
