The Trial: We, The Jury

I stared at Poke, hoping for some sign that we had done the right thing. I found some comfort in the way he collapsed into his chair and began crying when the foreperson said, "Not Guilty," and his friends and family in the tense courtroom erupted with joy.

Then, "Nooooooo!"

The wail of Joe's mother tore through all their hugs, high fives and triumph.

As the twelve of us jurors shuffled towards the exit and Poke whispered, "Thank you," her torment turned to rage.

 

"Don't you dare say thank you! You killed my baby you murderer. This jury is lying. This is not justice. You killed my baby!"

Back in the deliberation room, two jurors sobbed, one prayed the Our Father aloud, and the rest of us were stunned and speechless. The judge assured us trials don't get any harder and juries don't get any better. We had done our job.

Continue: Echoes of a Scream

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