For once -- good news! Child rapist convicted!

[elialshadowpine]

I was going to post something earlier today but needed to wait to get permission. Now that I have it, here goes. I'm sure omimouse will have a more detailed post up later once they're home, but these are the highlights from what she and Louis have told me

Comments

[enticing_thorn]

I'm so glad that that bastard is going to prison! Well done. seriously. not many people would be brave enough to stand by the kids and actually give evidence. I remember when you mentioned this a while ago on divas and i'm glad this turned out right.

*hugs*

[elialshadowpine]

I didn't see I had a whole lot of choice. I care about Catchild a lot; we used to be quite close, and I consider her like a sister. But she's very ill, and safety of the kids comes before maintaining a friendship. Cause, I thought about the possible outcomes, and I knew that if I said nothing and he was found not guilty -- I'd never be able to forgive myself, always wonder if what I did might have made a difference. I'm glad it did.

*hugs back*

[suzilem]

IMHO, you did the right thing, and very probably saved the other two girls from going through something similar. Good for you.

[dusktodawn]

wow, it's wonderful to see justice in action. I'm so glad that this ended in a positive light!

[elialshadowpine]

So am I. So am I.

[norikos_author]

Under the circumstances, there are almost certainly grounds to have Catchild committed involuntarily at least long enough for an evaluation. In California, I think it's 72 hours.

[warinbear]

. . . to have Catchild committed involuntarily . . .

The sheriff's detective, B, who had investigated the case and was working extensively with the DA's office during the trial spoke with the DCS caseworker, K, after hearing some of catchild's testimony (the grandmothers were close enough to overhear). B asked K, "Is that good enough for you?" The context was not clear, but it was likely he either meant "Is that enough information out of her mouth that you can clinch a TPR (termination of parental rights)?" or "Is that enough proof that you can have her committed?" After the verdict had been read, K asked the court for a complete transcript of the proceedings.

Since K works for the Department of Children's Services, I think the first interpretation more likely than the second, but they're not mutually exclusive. I am not looking forward to explaining to the Puppy, who is now eleven, that she won't be able to see her mom ever again because her mom said and did some really really stupid things. I think it's going to happen anyway

[elialshadowpine]

I agree. Honestly, if the comment she made to me about how she would kill herself if Ebon were convicted hadn't been made over a year ago, I would be making a phone call to the local police. Sadly, I think it's too old to act on, but other things she said in court may well be grounds if someone who was there is willing to put in the effort.

[crescent_gaia]

Count me as someone who is glad you came forward to put the bastard behind bars. I have no tolerence for people who abuse those who cannot defend themselves and I hope he gets the book thrown at him during sentencing. Thank you for being an advocate when nobody else would help her.

I do hope that Catchild can get the help that she needs. Is there anyway that you could ask the court to have someone look in on her or have her committed? I know that might be overstepping what you want to do and I think it might help calm your fear of retaliation.

Many *hugs* as well to you for doing the right thing.

[elialshadowpine]

Oh, there were multiple other people that came forward to help Bearcub. There just were not many that had anything relevant to the case to provide. Louis and Naomi, plus one other person, were the other witnesses.

I don't think there's much I can do as I wasn't there. If I were, I'd try to do more, but all I have is a year old conversation and what she said in the court. However, there's the possibility that DCS/etc may decide to take her to court based on her perjuring herself plus criminal negligence (since she was aware of the husband's proclivities); in that case, I don't see any plea but insanity, and the result of that... sad to say... may be the best thing for her right now. I'd rather see her healthy in mind and body, but right now... she needs a lot of help.

*hugs*

[guruwench]

Oh, thanks be!! Thank you, nonnycat, for everything you did. I'm proud of all you and the others did to help put the scumbag in jail and to support Bearcub.

May I add you? You seem like nifty people, and I already know by your actions that you're a good person.

[elialshadowpine]

Certainly. :)