Chapter 16 - Rachel’s counterattack
Rachel’s attorney commissioned an independent review of the medical records.
Good.
They challenged the prosecution’s most dramatic interpretations.
Could the tibia fracture have occurred seven days rather than nine?
Yes.
Could Leo walk on some fractures?
Yes.
Could a parent reasonably mistake certain fractures for sprains initially?
Yes.
Could the wrist injury be accidental?
Absolutely.
Could the basement be safe enough for children physically if supervised?
Yes.
All of that was true.
Then the defense argued the real issue was a stressed blended family being criminalized after an accident.
That argument failed gradually because it ignored behavior after the injuries.
No medical evaluation.
False statement to school nurse.
Repeated exterior confinement evidence.
Children sleeping below while Jason was away.
Leo’s consistent description across interviews.
Rachel’s own text messages.
One:
If he keeps asking for Dad, downstairs until morning. I’m done negotiating with a six-year-old.
Sent to her sister.
The sister replied:
Rachel, that sounds harsh.
Rachel:
He has blankets and a bathroom. He’s fine.
Not secret torture.
Not sadism.
May you like
A caregiver justifying confinement because basic physical needs existed.
That was precisely the problem.
