Chapter 17 - Linda’s Appeal
Linda appealed conviction.
Not unexpected.
Arguments:
Video insufficient to prove intentional/reckless beyond accident.
Prior Cole audio improperly prejudicial.
Prosecutor comments.
Appellate court reviewed.
One assault count merged already.
Main felony conviction affirmed.
The court found “same story as Cole” was admitted not to prove prior bad act but as part immediate efforts to fabricate explanation, with limiting instruction.
Sentence affirmed.
No retrial.
Linda completed about two years ten months.
Upon release, she did not apologize to me.
Not initially.
She maintained:
“I never meant burns.”
Could both be true and still guilty.
She intended to throw hot liquid/scare.
Maybe did not intend severity.
Later at parole counseling? She wrote:
I wanted to frighten Ellie away from Cole’s cup. I knew coffee was hot. I did not stop to think what it could do.
That was most honest.
Then:
I spent years telling myself because I did not intend scars, I did not intend harm. That is false.
Good.
I did not reply.
Then:
I am sorry.
I kept letter in file for Ellie if she wanted when older.
May you like
I did not show child.
No need burden.
