Chapter 22 - THE PLEA THAT FAILED
Prosecutors offered Derek a plea before trial.
Substantial prison time.
Admission of aggravated child abuse and domestic violence-related assault.
He refused.
He insisted Noah swallowed the magnets voluntarily.
His mother believed him.
His brother did not.
His attorney had a viable strategy:
Attack memory.
Highlight pica-like behavior.
Point to Emily’s delayed medical response.
Point to my improper question.
Argue internet searches showed concern.
No video of ingestion.
No independent eyewitness.
Not a frivolous defense.
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That mattered.
Trials happen because evidence requires judgment.
