Chapter 176
Charles never took his eyes off Naomi. He seemed to be expressing gratitude toward her, regardless of the outcome. He appreciated her respect and everything she had done for him.
“October 2023,”
The judge’s voice echoed throughout the court, signaling the official commencement of the case proceedings.
After the prosecution addressed some questions from the previous hearing, Naomi stood up. She glanced at Charles before turning to the presiding judge and two jurors.
“Your Honor, esteemed jurors, Charles was triggered by the tragic loss of his mother to domestic violence ten years ago. As a result, he caused harm, which resulted in the death of his father and two uncles. It was an unfortunate and irreversible event that no one hoped would happen.
“I believe that Charles, more than anyone else, never wanted the tragedy to occur. He never wanted to have the blood of his three loved ones to be on his hands.
“If Charles could turn back time, he would undoubtedly wish for his mother to be spared from domestic violence and to have been there with him as he grew up.
“In this case, it’s evident that Charles grew up in a cruel environment and had to fend for himself. He didn’t receive a proper education, and there was no one to guide him on the path of right and wrong. No one taught him to conduct himself like we do.
“Imagine a nine–year–old boy witnessing his mother’s death. How would he spend the next ten years of his life? What gave him the strength to continue on?
“After leaving home, his father never tried to find him. Charles had to scavenge for garbage and work odd Jobs to support himself. He had no friends, teachers, or classmates. There was no one for him to talk to.
“Your Honor, while I’m unable to provide a formal diagnosis of Charles‘ mental state, I trust that everyone. present is capable of evaluating whether he is psychologically well.
“Recently, I visited Charles‘ hometown and gathered testimonies from his neighbors regarding past events and their opinions on Charles. Your Honor, we should listen to what they have to say. If necessary, I can make arrangements for them to testify in person.”
After hearing Naomi’s heartfelt plea, the judge said, “I agree to the defense’s request to present the
testimonies.”
Upon receiving the judge’s approval, Naomi glanced at Sally, who then proceeded to play the recordings.
“I was there when it happened, It was impossible to stop the three Danson brothers. They beat the person to death right in front of us. It was such a horrifying sight. The child was crying nearby, clinging to his father and pleading for him to stop the beating. However, the father kicked his child about six feet away.”
“We tried to intervene, but the Danson brothers behaved like hooligans! They started to beat us instead and scolded us for meddling in their affairs. They said that wives were meant for beating. Otherwise,
what was the point of marrying them?”
“Charles was such a good boy! He was obedient and studious from a young age. His mother was an honest, hardworking, and quiet person too. After his mother’s death, his scoundrel father locked him up in a cage every day. He forbade Charles to go to school and refused to let his grandparents see him. What at pity that Charles had to endure such a tough fate. After the tragedy happened, none of us blamed him. The Dansons had it coming. Charles‘ mother was a good person who didn’t deserve to be beaten to death.
“Charles was a good boy who often helped his mother with her chores. He loved to follow her around. His father was an alcoholic who would beat them both when he was drunk. Luckily, Charles managed to escape, or else he might have been beaten to death too.”
“Even though Charles only attended my school for two years, I recall him being a diligent student. He was exceptionally bright and always scored full marks in his exams. After the tragic incident, his father stopped him from going to school. Later on…” Charles‘ teacher could not bring herself to continue speaking.”
“What wrong did Charles commit? It’s a life for a life; they killed his mother. So what if he beat them to death? A man should have the courage to stand up for justice.”
“Charles has always been a good boy since he was young. If not for his useless father, he would have been a very successful person.”
“Charles and his mother are so unfortunate. I hope Charles will be okay. We all know he won’t hurt others.”
Naomi interviewed many people. Some were Charles‘ neighbors, while others were residents in the district. They all recounted the events of the past.
Whenever Charles‘ father and uncles were mentioned, everyone shook their heads in disappointment.
The Danson brothers were notorious as the town bullies. They showed no remorse after beating Charles‘ mother to death and continued their acts of tyranny.
When Charles heard the testimonies of his old neighbor, his eyes welled up with tears. The same sentiment echoed among everyone present in the courtroom as they fell silent.