Chapter 15 - GREGORY’S TRIAL
Gregory refused the plea offered.
He would admit menacing.
Not unlawful restraint.
Not assault with a dangerous instrument.
The state went to trial.
The jury saw:
Lock logs.
Text messages.
Owen’s testimony.
Guest videos.
Photos.
The bat.
Binder.
My account.
Gregory’s account.
He testified.
Bad decision, maybe.
He said:
“I never intended to hit her.”
Prosecutor:
“Why swing?”
“To scare her.”
“Toward her ribs?”
“I knew she’d move.”
That answer hurt him.
“You knew she had military training?”
“Yes.”
“So you believed she could evade a bat?”
“Yes.”
“Then why did you need the bat?”
Silence.
He said the “domesticate” phrase was dark humor.
Maybe jury believed phrase.
Maybe not.
Physical act mattered more.
The defense emphasized I had not been struck.
That the cabin door could be opened with master credentials.
That family was outside.
That I controlled him after disarming.
The state answered:
A missed blow can still be assault.
A locked door remains restraint even if conspirators hold keys.
Jury deliberated two days.
Convicted:
Assault with a dangerous instrument.
Unlawful restraint.
Menacing.
Acquitted:
One more serious count alleging intent to cause serious bodily injury.
Reasonable doubt.
Mixed.
Accurate.
He had wanted fear.
May you like
The state did not prove beyond reasonable doubt he intended catastrophic injury.
That distinction mattered.
