Love and Murder

Chapter 4-1

Chapter 4

When I arrived at Frank’s first appearance, I made it a point to let the judge see me on the video screen. Besides the detention deputies in the room, several men in orange jumpsuits surrounded me, waiting to hear their charges, hoping to find out if they were going to get pre-trial released, or get a bond. I quickly scanned the room to see if there were any familiar faces. If I did, I would normally say hello, and ask if they needed me. This helped remind former clients I was available. Today’s first appearance was the first one in a long time that I didn’t see repeat clients. Meanwhile, the judge, prosecutor, and deputy clerk were in the courthouse with the image of the judge being broadcast by video. I heard the video chirp and turned to the video.

“Your Honor, Jacob Chandler, appearing for Mr. Frank Peoples.”

The detention deputy ushered Frank next to me, so the judge could see not only me on his video screen, but also my client.

“Your Honor,” said a familiar voice over the video. “Elena Chandler on behalf of the State. Mr. Peoples is charged with second degree murder.”

“Well, this could be an interesting afternoon,” Judge Garner flatly stated. “It’s not often that I get to see the two of you on a case. But, in the interest of time, I have already reviewed the probable cause affidavit.”

Having read the affidavit that Noah was able to obtain, I knew that the police believed that Hannah King was strangled. “Judge Garner, the evidence against Mr. Peoples is circumstantial. There’s not any direct evidence that the State has that ties him to the alleged victim’s death.”

“Mr. Chandler,” the judge continued, “according to this affidavit, Mr. Peoples made admissions to the Pineridge police that implicate him. There is probable cause that Mr. Peoples was responsible for the death of Hannah King, and assuming that the State files formal charges within twenty-one days, he will remain in custody pending his jury trial, or plea.”

“Will the court consider setting a bond with pretrial release conditions?”

“Denied. Good try, Mr. Chandler, but no bond on a second-degree murder charge. You know the drill. It’s a crime that’s punishable by life in prison.”

“Your Honor, he’s presumed innocent.”

“Denied. No bond.” Judge Garner turned to his left, and said, “Who’s next on the docket, madam clerk?”

With that cue, I knew Judge Garner wouldn’t hear anything else from me, so I followed Frank as he was being taken to his dorm. I got permission from the detention deputy to talk to him for a few minutes in a small holding cell.

“Frank, I’ve read the probable cause affidavit. There are some facts that I want to talk to you about. The police are claiming that Hannah died of strangulation not due to a beating or loss of blood. Obviously we’re awaiting the medical examiner’s formal findings.”

“Well, I didn’t strangle her! Jake, I didn’t kill Hannah.”

Is he telling the truth? Or is he telling himself a lie so he can feed one? I’ve seen and heard it all.

“I hit her with the mug. I tried to defend myself. That’s all.”

“Frank, I know you didn’t kill Hannah. We’ll find out who did.”

“Do you think the judge would reconsider giving me a bond? I don’t belong here. I didn’t kill her.”

“If some new facts or circumstances come up, sure, that’s the best way to get reconsideration on your bond.” I paused and looked around. “In the meantime, keep your nose clean here at the jail. Remember every jailbird here wants to make a deal with the prosecutors, and will try to be your buddy. So, I don’t care if your bunkmate is giving you the best blowjob in the world, you are not to talk to anyone about your case. Do you understand me?”

“I understand. But you gotta believe me, I didn’t kill Hannah.”

“I know. I know.”

Or did I? Did I still believe in the presumption of innocence?