Chapter 19 - Trial: The Beach
The prosecution played the video first.
A tourist had filmed children in surf.
Phone caught:
Lenora removing vest.
Cade resisting.
Lenora throwing vest.
Cade saying:
“No, Grandma.”
Then push.
Fall.
Wave.
Me running.
Kick.
All.
No edit hiding me.
Good.
Lifeguard testified.
“Was water deep?”
“No. Approximately knee depth for child, varying with waves.”
“Was surf active?”
“Yes.”
“Was life vest legally required?”
“No.”
“Was removing it inherently criminal?”
“No.”
Good.
“Why concern?”
“Child was visibly distressed, attempted to retreat, caregiver removed flotation his family had placed, then pushed him during incoming wave.”
Defense:
“Did he nearly drown?”
“No.”
“Lose consciousness?”
“No.”
“Inhale water requiring treatment?”
“No.”
“Was Lenora within arm’s reach?”
“Yes.”
Good.
Case remained narrow.
Then video of my kick.
Defense:
“Who used greater physical force, Adair or Lenora?”
Objection.
May you like
Still jury saw.
No halo.
