very tired
Dad testified more today plus several other witnesses. I'll write about it tomorrow. I’m simply exhausted as are Dad ad Carol. But, as I told them, no matter what happens, you'll never have to do this again. Win, lose, appeal...whatever they will never have to testify about this again unless they choose to go to the sentencing hearing. +
I did learn one thing: the DA (who we are still unhappy with) did make an offer of 15 years. The defendant countered with time served. So, there was no choice but to go to trial but doesn't explain the over-charging. Or ignoring us (which he continues to do) or not prepping witnesses (which was apparent today again.)
This is the latest article from the Fresno Bee. The reporter actually got some of the facts wrong which is odd.
http://www.fresnobee.com/local/crime/story/1155496.html
But it also just doesn't capture the feel or the emotion. Or even my folks' ...I don't know what. Grit maybe? For example, when defense counsel started cross of Carol he said it was nice to see her again (which is a weird thing to say to a crime victim...) and Carol said "It's nice to see you too...well, not really." The jury loved it. And my Dad was actually fantastic. When shown a picture of his head with the hair roughly chopped he said (with a self deprecating half smile and glance to the jury) "to be honest, a lot of that was already gone before they visited me.” Which made the portions where he choked up a little even more poignant.
As always, thanks to all of you for the good thoughts. Connection heals all wounds I think. Had a good moment at the end of the day. Asked to help a lady with canes get her cart to her car at the store. She was really nice. No big deal and totally unconnected of course, but it felt like a huge weight lifted after.