Chapter 9 - The Handcuff VerdictSix months after the attack, the criminal trial concluded at the county courthouse.
Faced with the undeniable 4K cloud video, Dr. Arisâs expert medical testimony, and their own recorded confessions, the jury took less than forty-five minutes to return a verdict.
GUILTY ON ALL COUNTS.
On the morning of sentencing, I sat in the front row of the gallery between my mother and father, wearing an elegant white silk suit.
Daniel and Vivian stood before the judge in orange prison jumpsuits, their hands chained at their waists, their feet shackled together.
The judge delivered a scathing speech before pronouncing sentence.
âVivian Cross,â the judge declared, her voice cold and unyielding. âYour actions were born of pure, arrogant cruelty. For felony chemical assault and aggravated battery, you are sentenced to fifteen years in state prison.â
Vivian wept hysterically, her body collapsing as guards caught her arms.
âDaniel Cross,â the judge continued, turning to my former husband. âYou stood by while your wife was brutalized, actively assisting in her imprisonment and lying to law enforcement. You are sentenced to twelve years in state prison.â
As the guards led them away through the heavy steel side doors, Daniel turned his head, looking at me with wild, pathetic, tear-filled eyes.
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âClara! Please!â Daniel cried out as the iron doors began to close. âI love you! Tell them to stop!â
I didn't say a word. I simply looked at him, turned my back, and walked out into the bright afternoon sunlight.
