Chapter 13 - THE TRIAL OF ELENA PIERCEElena’s trial began first.
She attempted to separate herself from Nolan.
Her attorney described her as a frightened younger sister controlled since childhood.
Evidence showed control.
Nolan paid her.
Changed her identity.
Threatened her.
But recordings also showed Elena acting when Nolan was not present.
Locking Leo in darkness.
Withholding food.
Destroying Sophia’s photographs.
Standing over the children with the bat.
Abuse did not become harmless because another abuser issued broader instructions.
Mia testified through recorded video.
She did not face Elena.
“What were you afraid would happen?” the child advocate asked.
“That she would hit Leo.”
“Did she?”
“Not with the bat.”
“What did she do with it?”
“She hit the table close to his head.”
“Why?”
“She wanted me to tell where Mom hid the key.”
Leo’s testimony was shorter.
“Elena said Dad liked her more.”
“Did you believe her?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Dad was gone.”
I sat in court and accepted the sentence as evidence about me too.
Elena was convicted of child abuse, conspiracy, identity fraud, unlawful surveillance and complicity in Sophia’s murder.
She received forty-three years.
At sentencing, she apologized to me.
Not to the children.
I interrupted only through my victim statement.
May you like
“Elena continues to imagine my feelings are the central damage. They are not.”
The judge agreed.
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