章 27: Trial

After Attorney Reyes explained the gravity of the case, we delved into strategizing our approach for the trial. We meticulously analyzed every detail, considering the political implications and the intricate legal aspects involved.

Our law firm, 'Reyes-Castro Legal Firm,' is still new. It has only been a year since its establishment. We have only managed to solve 7 cases so far. Thanks to Attorney Reyes' good reputation as a former prosecutor in the Department of Justice, our law firm has somehow become known to the public.

The word 'defeat' has never been in my dictionary. I must win every case no matter what.

After the meeting with Attorney Reyes, I went home and prepared myself for sleep.

The silence of the night made me realize how accustomed I had become to the noise of Greg and Vince.

I wonder what those two annoying kids are doing right now. Anyway, I have a case to solve tomorrow; I must sleep now.

---

As the courtroom buzzed with anticipation, Judge Emily Ramirez's authoritative voice cut through the air, signaling the beginning of the trial.

"This court is now in session. The case before us is The People vs. Eric Mariano. Mr. Mariano, you are charged with the intentional killing of James Vasquez. How do you plead?" Judge Ramirez's words echoed in the solemn room.

"I plead not guilty, Your Honor," Eric Mariano responded, his voice steady but tense.

With a nod of acknowledgment, Judge Ramirez turned her attention to me, Blaze Castro, the prosecutor tasked with seeking justice for James Vasquez's family.

"Your Honor, esteemed members of the jury," I began, addressing the somber faces before me, "on the night of February 12th, James Vasquez tragically lost his life due to the deliberate actions of the defendant, Eric Mariano. The evidence will show that Mr. Mariano's actions were not a result of an emergency evacuation, but a calculated act of violence."

The first witness, a police officer, takes the stand, recounting the aftermath of the fatal collision. "Your Honor, I arrived at the scene shortly after the incident," the officer testifies. "Mr. Mariano's vehicle showed no signs of damage consistent with an emergency evacuation. Instead, it appeared to have intentionally collided with Mr. Vasquez's vehicle."

Next, the forensic expert offers compelling evidence supporting our case. "The forensic evidence clearly indicates that the collision was not accidental," the expert declares with authority. "The angle of impact and the damage patterns on both vehicles suggest a deliberate act by the defendant."

But as I present the facts, Attorney Benson interjects, objecting to our presentation. "Objection, Your Honor! The prosecution is speculating and presenting biased interpretations of the evidence," he contends.

"Sustained," Judge Ramirez rules. "Attorney Castro, please stick to the facts."

I nod, refocusing my argument. "Apologies, Your Honor. The facts remain: James Vasquez lost his life due to Eric Mariano's actions. We will prove beyond a reasonable doubt that this was not an emergency evacuation but a premeditated act."

"Your Honor, members of the jury, the defense acknowledges the tragic loss of James Vasquez. However, Eric Mariano's actions were indeed borne out of an emergency situation. Moments before the collision, Mr. Mariano found himself in a life-threatening scenario, forcing him to make a split-second decision to protect himself and others." Attorney Benson argues passionately.

An eyewitness takes the stand, recounting the chaotic scene of the accident. "I was present at the scene," the eyewitness states firmly. "Mr. Mariano's vehicle was swerving to avoid an oncoming collision with a speeding truck. He had no choice but to veer into Mr. Vasquez's lane to avoid a catastrophic accident."

"Objection, Your Honor!" I protest. "The defense is attempting to create a narrative without concrete evidence to support their claims."

"Overruled," Judge Ramirez states firmly. "Attorney Benson, continue."

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, Eric Mariano acted out of necessity, not malice. He did what any reasonable person would do in a life-threatening situation. We urge you to consider the circumstances and find Mr. Mariano not guilty of the charges against him" Attorney Benson countered.

In our closing arguments, I emphasize the deliberate nature of Eric Mariano's actions, appealing to the jury's sense of justice.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, as I stand before you, I am reminded of the weight of responsibility that rests upon us in this courtroom."

"We have witnessed the devastating loss suffered by James Vasquez's family, a loss caused by the deliberate actions of Eric Mariano."

"The evidence we have presented paints a clear picture: this was not a tragic accident or an act of self-preservation, but a calculated act of violence. The forensic evidence, coupled with eyewitness testimony, leaves no room for doubt. Eric Mariano's vehicle showed no signs of evasive maneuvers or damage consistent with an emergency situation."

"James Vasquez's life was taken from him, and justice demands accountability. I urge you to consider the facts with clarity and impartiality, to honor the memory of James Vasquez, and to deliver a verdict that reflects the truth."

While Attorney Allan Benson stresses the emergency situation that Mariano found himself in.

"Your Honor, members of the jury, we cannot ignore the chaotic circumstances that surrounded the events of that tragic night. Eric Mariano found himself in a life-threatening situation, with seconds to make a critical decision."

"His actions were not driven by malice, but by the instinct to protect himself and others on the road. The eyewitness testimony corroborates the urgency of the situation, highlighting the necessity of Mariano's actions."

"As we consider the weight of this case, let us remember the principle of reasonable doubt. Eric Mariano is not a murderer; he is a man who acted in the face of imminent danger. I implore you to weigh the evidence carefully and deliver a verdict that reflects the truth of what happened that night."

As the jury delivers the verdict, the courtroom atmosphere becomes tense, each breath held in anticipation. James Vasquez's family sits quietly, their eyes fixed on the jury, hoping for justice to be served for their beloved son.