"You're always welcome, Q," Sabre said. "Have a seat."
Bob spoke. "I was just telling Sobs that I saw something on the news this morning about Ruben Parks, the guy who was buried by Glen Irving."
"I missed that," Roberto said. "Was he one of Bell's victims too?"
"No," Bob said, "his wife and her boyfriend killed him. They just had the bad luck of burying him too close to Glen Irving, or he might never have been found. They turned on each other in the end, and both are now going to prison. The boyfriend actually committed the act, but he couldn't have done it without her help. She lured her husband into a web like a spider."
“I’m glad Bell confessed so the boys won’t be put through any more hell testifying at his trial.”
“His biggest concern once he was caught was making sure his research was continued,” Sabre said. “Sick man.”
“There’s something I don’t understand,” Roberto said. “I thought Bell was in Africa when two of the men were killed.”
“Bell had his receptionist buy tickets for the flights under the name of Dr. John Bell, which were scheduled a day or two before each of the murders,” Sabre said. “He even went so far as to have her drive him to the airport for a flight he never intended to take.”
“But I thought Homeland Security said he was on the flight.”
“A Dr. John Bell was on the flight, but not the one we know. Apparently, he used that name because there was a Dr. John Bell from San Diego County who worked with the albino program. That way he had cover in Africa if anyone called about him. Dr. Williams even was kind enough to make the reservations for Dr. Bell.”
“Pretty clever.”
“Right after each murder he committed, he flew to Africa with a ticket under the name of Dr. John Williams.”
“The guy is no dummy,” Roberto said. “You’ve got to give him that. I’m just glad it’s all over.”
"Now if I can just get Tray's case dismissed," Sabre said. "I've filed every motion and writ available—mostly on the basis that we have new evidence that would change the outcome of the verdict. But if I'm granted a new trial, then I want the case back in juvenile court where it should've been heard in the first place, just in case we can't get it dismissed. We should have the ruling any day now."
"You've created quite a stir on the delinquency panel and with the public defenders. Everyone is rooting for your motion against Palatini."
"What motion was that?" Bob asked.
"She filed a motion accusing Palatini of misconduct, abusing judicial power, prejudice, and I don't know what all, but it was a great move," Roberto said. "She cited a public statement that he made when his grandson was tried in juvenile court, suggesting that the boy should’ve had a jury trial. That was brilliant."
"I don't get it," Bob said.
"You know how they have a 707 hearing in certain cases to determine if the minor should be tried as an adult?"
Bob nodded.
"In every single hearing, Palatini ruled against the minor and sent him or her downtown for trial."
"Every one?"
"Every one, and we're not talking a couple of cases. And he's on some committee where they're trying to make all juvenile delinquency cases jury trials. I only knew about the committee because Judge Trapnell happened to mention it to me one day, which I think he did intentionally to lead me in that direction."
"You’re suggesting Palatini had an agenda?"
"Yes, which means he didn't really apply the law. I just hope his actions have been clear enough to get Tray's case moved all the way back here to juvenile court."
"And if you win," Roberto said, "every 707 hearing Palatini ruled on will be open to appeal. And that's a lot of cases in the last three years."
Elaine, Sabre's receptionist, carried in the mail. Her face wore a worried expression.
Sabre jumped up. "Is it here?"
Elaine nodded and handed her the mail.
Sabre's hand shook as she tore open the envelope. This was her last chance to get Tray out of prison. She was pretty sure he would get a new trial, although even that wasn't an absolute, but she was hoping for more than that. As she shuffled through the papers, her lips twitched. Then suddenly her eyes sparkled and a broad smile crossed her face.
"Yahoo," she shouted, and threw her fist in the air. "We got it! Tray's case is being remanded for a new trial and a new 707 hearing. We're going back to juvenile court."
Chapter 64
Two months later...
"In the case of Tray Copley, Judge Jon Charles Trapnell presiding," the court clerk called the case.
Tray's mother and his foster parents, June and George Longe, were in the courtroom. At the table were DDA Benson, Sabre, and Tray, who sat up straight with the dignity of an innocent man as he waited for the case to be heard. Although Sabre had briefly met with Tray earlier, she couldn't stop looking at him. He was no longer a little boy, but rather a handsome, smart, young man. He had lost his innocence and his youth, but his character was still intact. He didn't appear bitter. He just seemed anxious to start his new life. She was proud of him.
Sabre asked for a dismissal of the charges with prejudice and that the earlier conviction be set aside. As had already been agreed upon, Benson joined in her motion.
Judge Trapnell said, "Son, this was a long time coming. I am terribly disappointed in the way the system worked, or rather, didn't work for you. I hope you can put this behind you and go forward to make a better life for yourself. You have people in this courtroom who love you, people who never gave up on you, so please remember that when times get tough, and don't ever give up on yourself." The judge took a deep breath. "The motion is granted. The conviction for P.C. 187 is set aside, and the petition is dismissed. Since you are eighteen now, there's no need to re-open a dependency case. You're free to go."
Tray reached down and hugged Sabre. "Thank you. Thank you," he said, his voice cracking. Then he ran to his mother and hugged her and his foster parents.
"Where's Shanisha?" Tray asked.
"She's outside waiting for you with JP. Come, we'll go see her."
When they got outside the courthouse Shanisha and JP were about twenty feet away. Shanisha was playing imaginary hopscotch. He called out to her, and she ran and jumped into his arms.
As he swung her around, he said, “I’ve missed you, Pooh Bear.
About the Author
Teresa Burrell has dedicated her life to helping children and their families. Her first career was spent teaching elementary school in the San Bernardino City School District. As an attorney, Ms. Burrell has spent countless hours working pro bono in the family court system. For twelve years she practiced law in San Diego Superior Court, Juvenile Division. She continues to advocate children’s issues and write novels, many of which are inspired by actual legal cas es.
Teresa Burrell is available at www.teresaburrell.com
Keep in touch with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/theadvocateseries
What did you think of THE ADVOCATE’S HOMICIDES?
Please send an email to Teresa and let her know.
She can be reached at: [email protected]
The Advocate's Homicides Page 26