Chapter 12 - Derek’s defense
Derek’s lawyer did not argue he had never put Emily in the cage.
The padlock.
Broken lock.
Witnesses.
Bruises.
Too much.
Instead:
Derek said Emily had been acting dangerously.
She had thrown a metal tool.
Run toward the pool.
Tried to damage property.
He placed her temporarily inside the dog run because it was the only enclosed outdoor space while he:
“secured hazardous materials.”
Why the padlock?
“To prevent her running toward the pool.”
Why the tarp?
“Rain.”
It had stopped raining.
Why no food?
“She had eaten.”
Emily denied.
Kitchen evidence showed breakfast dishes.
No lunch preparation.
Why did Derek not call Laura?
He said he expected to release Emily within minutes.
How many?
“Ten.”
Mrs. Harris’s timeline suggested hours.
Why tell Emily people disappear?
“A joke.”
There it was.
Why sink Laura’s property?
“Disposal.”
Why destroy her phone?
“It was mine too.”
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Some of these arguments created factual questions.
None made the cage normal.
