Chapter 16 - Julian Went to Trial
Julian refused plea.
His defense:
A disastrous, desperate plan to fake Chloe’s death temporarily.
Not attempted murder.
He acknowledged some financial misuse but blamed Victoria for false invoices.
He claimed he believed trust distributions were reimbursements.
He claimed Wisconsin house proved he intended Chloe to live.
That argument had force.
It also admitted kidnapping.
The trial lasted eleven days.
The white casket was photographed, not brought into courtroom.
Good.
No spectacle.
Prosecutors played 911 audio.
Julian’s voice:
“PUT HER BACK RIGHT NOW!”
Then:
“You’re both going into the ground tonight!”
Jurors looked at him.
He stared at table.
Chloe did not testify live.
Her forensic interview was admitted in limited form under child-witness rules with defense safeguards and other evidence supporting.
Victoria testified.
I hated watching her.
She looked smaller.
No makeup.
Hair tied back.
Prosecutor:
“Did Chloe die?”
“No.”
“Did you know that?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tell family she died?”
“Yes.”
“Did you tear up? no, wrong story. Here maybe memorial cards. Keep.”
“Did you purchase casket?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“To convince people.”
“Did Chloe consent?”
“No.”
“Did Eleanor?”
“No.”
“Why prepare casket for Eleanor?”
Victoria cried for first time.
“I was angry.”
“Did you buy it while angry for weeks?”
May you like
Silence.
“Yes.”
