NovelEnglishThe court session resumed at 3:00 pm sharp.
The entire session was still being live-streamed. Everyone was now familiar with the presiding judge, the prosecutor, the plaintiff, and the defendant.
In the morning, the public gallery was packed to the brim. Now, it was just Alyssa, Jasper, and their family and friends. The quietness was chilling.
None of the other Becketts were present. Even Sophia's daughter, Betty, was too embarrassed to attend the session.
Sophia and Jeffrey walked out one after another. Their hands were cuffed. Once again, they were led to their respective seats in humiliation.
Metal railings separated Sophia and the rest of the courtroom. Her hair was in disarray. She was expressionless.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtShe scanned the gallery with a blank look in her eyes.
She observed that only the Taylor family remained. A twisted expression took over her face, and she couldn't help herself and burst out laughing.
Steven frowned. He tapped the gavel. He coldly instructed, "Please be quiet, defendant!" Simultaneously, Simon struggled to maintain his composure. His face was rigid, as if a light touch might shatter him.
In essence, he was experiencing defeat.
Sean was assisting Gemma, holding onto her arm as they proceeded to the plaintiff's seat. He offered gentle pats on her back in an attempt to provide comfort.
She was already 80 years old. It was hard enough for her to get through the tumultuous session in the morning.
She barely had anything to eat at noon because she x i worried.
She waited all the way until now for the court's final verdict on both Sophia and Jeffrey.
Sean took note of all these. His heart ached, and he felt terrible for her. He had been preparing for this hearing day and night. He swore to be in his best condition. He wanted to do his very best to make Sophia plead guilty.
However, he knew it was insufficient to rely on his capabilities. This time, Alyssa and Jasper had helped to strategize. Other than that, Silas had helped to turn the tide. Sophia wouldn't have confessed to her crin court if it weren't for them.
They noticed that Steven now looked slightly different than when they were in the earlier session. He now had glasses on.
The Lynch brothers knew their brother, Steven, very well. Unbeknownst to the public, he was someone who paid attention to his image. He was severely short-sighted. So, he would usually have contact lenses on in public.
He reserved the use of his glasses for moments of gravity and significance, treating it as a personal ritual.
The room was silent.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSteven stood up. He had a stern expression on his face. He lifted the written verdict with his hands. He read it out in a clear and strong voice, "I hereby announce the verdict on Jeffrey Snyder for first-degree murder." Everyone held their breath. They were focused. Jeffrey, on the other hand, didn't look as gloomy. He even looked slightly relaxed.
Being a foreigner in this country and with Sophia sharing the blame, he anticipated receiving a 20-year sentence before ultimately being deported back to Tsulu.
He wasn't concerned about being in his fifties 20 years later. At least, he would only be middle-aged. He would still have a life to live after his release.
That thought made him smirk slightly. He was pleased.
Steven paused. He then continued with confidence, "From the trial, we have found the defendant, Jeffrey Snyder, guilty of the charge of murdering the victim in his own self-interest.
"We believe that the defendant showed no remorse after committing murder in exchange for money.
Subsequently, he fled the country.
"After escaping abroad, he vehemently resisted authorities during arrest, which are considered aggravating circumstances. His actions pose a significant risk to society, warranting severe punishment.
"I hereby declare that the defendant, Jeffrey Snyder, will be sentenced to death for first-degree murder. His political rights will be permanently revoked, and all his personal assets will be confiscated in their entirety."
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