Chapter 14 - Vanessa’s child case
Vanessa faced much more serious charges.
The prosecution declined an attempted-murder theory.
Why?
Evidence did not prove she intended Noah to die.
Her searches suggested she had considered injury risk.
Her conduct created an enormous danger.
But intent to kill was different.
Charges focused on:
Felony child endangerment.
Aggravated assault of a young child.
Attempted evidence fabrication related to a family proceeding? There was no active proceeding. Better: obstruction / false report? She immediately falsely accused Lily to police? She told Adrian, later police first version maybe. Could charge filing false statement if she maintained. Keep later.
And misdemeanor false statement after she initially identified Lily to responding officers before video review.
The state’s theory:
Vanessa deliberately caused Noah’s fall to manufacture proof that Lily was dangerous.
Defense theory:
Vanessa lost patience, kicked Noah impulsively, then blamed Lily in panic.
May you like
Both were awful.
Planning determined sentence.
