Chapter 20 - Vanessa goes to trial
Vanessa rejected the first plea offer.
Trial lasted nine days.
Prosecution showed:
Security footage.
Search history.
Willow Crest emails.
Financial connection to Grant.
The note:
Need one event Adrian cannot rationalize.
Her immediate accusation against Lily.
Defense emphasized:
No direct message saying:
I will push Noah and blame Lily.
Correct.
No evidence she intended serious injury.
Correct.
Her financial benefit from Northfield was indirect.
Correct.
Then Vanessa testified.
Risky.
She said:
“I kicked toward Noah to move him away from the stair edge.”
Video showed he fell in the direction of the stairs.
Prosecutor asked:
“Why did you not reach for him?”
“I froze.”
“Why did you blame Lily?”
“I panicked.”
“Why search toddler stair-fall injuries two days earlier?”
Vanessa stopped.
May you like
That silence lasted six seconds.
Juries notice six seconds.
