Chapter 8 - THE VERDICTS
Margaret was convicted of attempted murder, poisoning, child endangerment, unlawful concealment, identity theft, financial fraud, forgery, evidence tampering, and obstruction.
She received forty-eight years.
Robert was convicted of poisoning, child endangerment, conspiracy, fraud, and obstruction.
He received twenty-two years.
Emily pleaded guilty to child endangerment, failure to report, and obstruction.
She received three years, with part eligible for supervised release after cooperation and treatment.
Nathan was not charged.
His father’s shell company faced fraud penalties for the fake modeling arrangement, though prosecutors found no evidence they knew Lily would be drugged.
At sentencing, Margaret said:
“I loved that child.”
The judge answered:
“You loved the role she played when convenient. Love without regard for the child’s life is not protection.”
Robert apologized.
I believed he regretted the consequences.
I did not know whether he understood the choice.
Emily spoke directly to me.
“I watched because I was afraid to lose my life.”
I answered:
“You almost cost Lily hers.”
She nodded.
No defense.
May you like
That was the beginning of accountability.
Not forgiveness.
