Chapter 21 - THE PLEA OFFER
Prosecutors offered Cole a negotiated resolution.
Factual admission:
He intentionally removed medically necessary oxygen from Poppy during an argument.
He knew physicians had ordered the oxygen.
He blocked Dr. Naomi Clarke from immediately reaching the child.
He did so to pressure Laurel and Enrico regarding the $2,300 reimbursement acknowledgment.
No admission he intended to kill Poppy.
No claim permanent injury occurred.
Charges would resolve around:
Child endangerment.
Interference with necessary medical care.
Coercion-related conduct.
Recommended:
Custodial component.
Probation.
Domestic-violence or coercive-control intervention.
No unlawful contact.
Family-court matters separate.
Cole refused one phrase:
“To pressure Laurel and Enrico regarding the reimbursement acknowledgment.”
He wanted:
“During an argument concerning family finances.”
The prosecutor said no.
Why did the wording matter?
Because Cole still wanted the act separated from purpose.
He could accept:
I lost control.
He could not yet accept:
May you like
I used my daughter’s treatment as leverage.
Trial.
