Chapter 4 - Owen’s version
Owen was interviewed through a child-appropriate process two days later.
Jason consented.
Natalie did not want him interviewed without her.
Because she was potentially implicated, that concern was handled through the appropriate adults and counsel.
I was not present.
Neither was Natalie.
Owen’s account was simple.
He had given Grace his crown.
Natalie told Grace to take it off.
Owen repeated:
“I gave it to her.”
Natalie told him:
“Go play.”
He went toward the basement.
Then returned because he forgot his game controller.
He saw his mother holding Grace by both forearms.
Grace was crying.
Natalie said:
“You’re not stealing his birthday.”
Grace said:
“I’m not.”
Natalie pulled her toward the guest bathroom.
Owen followed several steps behind.
He heard Grace say:
“Let go.”
Then he saw Natalie push Grace into the bathroom.
Did he see the cheek injury occur?
“Yes.”
How?
Natalie turned Grace toward the sink.
Grace tried to twist away.
Natalie slapped or struck the side of her face with an open hand.
Owen called it:
“A smack.”
Then Grace screamed.
Owen froze.
Where was Grandma?
Near the stairs.
What did she do?
According to Owen:
“Grandma said, ‘Natalie, enough.’”
Did Grandma come over?
“No.”
Did she see the smack?
“I think.”
Why think?
“Because she was looking.”
Good.
Not pretending certainty beyond what a child could provide.
Then Owen said something unexpected.
“Mom told Grandma Grace always tries to get attention.”
When?
Before the party.
What exactly?
Owen remembered:
“Don’t let Claire turn this into Grace’s day.”
May you like
That was not yet verified.
But it gave investigators a direction.
