by Gayle Tiller
"I am on your side. But right now, I have no leads and the more I dig the more evidence points to you."
"Jasmine, I did not kill them. I am not a violent person. I am not a greedy person. Please believe me. You are my only hope."
"Do you have a lawyer?"
"Yes. James Colby. About an hour ago, I saw him. He's trying to get me out on bail tomorrow. But the word is that the DA is going to ask that the judge deny my request."
"Who's the DA?"
"Sandra Morales."
Sandra Morales was known as the hanging DA. She had tried at least twenty death penalty cases and had won all of them except one. That case was against James Colby a few years ago. But unlike Kristal, his client had been a white male and wealthy.
"Kristal, I'll see you in court tomorrow morning."
"Thank you, Jasmine. I know things look bad, but I am innocent."
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At that point, I didn't know what to believe. I mumbled good-bye and left the jail.
* * *
When I got back to my office, there was a woman who wore shoulder length braids. She had the body of a dancer and her legs were toned from years of working out. Her face was perfectly made up and from a distance she looked like she was in her thirties. But up close, I could tell that she had to be closer to her late forties. She wore a short turquoise dress that accented her legs. She was a woman who had aged well and she was not afraid to flaunt it. She extended her hand and said, "Good afternoon, my name is Patrice Collins and I am the President of the African-American Coalition. I am here to talk you about Kristal Woods."
"Pleased to meet you. Please come in."
She followed me and sat down.
She said, "We are very concerned about Kristal. We just want to make sure that everything will be fine."
"The truth is that everything is not okay. Everything is pointing to Kristal as the murderer."
"Kristal is innocent. I am Kristal's godsister. She is a good and honorable person."
"So you must be close to her family."
"Her family. Well, not really."
"So where are they?"
"Like any other families, they have problems."
"Like what?"
"Kristal's mother is not well."
"Does she have cancer or something like that?"
"No, it's not cancer."
"What is it?"
"Kristal's mother has a nervous condition. She has been in and out of mental hospitals for years. She's currently a patient at the San Jose State Mental Hospital for her condition."
"And what about her father?"
"Her father has problems too."
"Is he a patient at the hospital, too?"
"No, nothing like that. He's somewhere else."
"Where?"
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"He's at San Quentin for murder. He killed someone years ago who was
harassing
Kristal's
mother.
It
was
all
such
a
terrible
misunderstanding."
Kristal's mother is in the nut house and her father is in the pen for killing some guy. Damn, why couldn't Kristal come from a normal family?
"I'm sorry to hear about Kristal's parents."
"Don't be. We all come from dysfunctional families."
I certainly didn't. My parents were normal. And not everyone had such messed up parents. It was beyond me, how she could play off Kristal's family like it was nothing.
I mumbled, "Yeah, some are worse than others. So who raised Kristal?"
She smiled and said, "I did. I took her in when she was only eleven years old and she has changed. She used to be really heavy and shy when she was in high school. But later, she changed in college. She graduated cum laude from San Jose State with a bachelor's degree in history. She went on to get her teaching credential. She later won teacher of the year award not only in her district but also at the state level. Kristal is a very accomplished young woman."
"Yeah, so I hear. So what can I do for you?"
"You know we have hired James Colby."
"I thought that the African-American Coalition was upset with him."
"That's in the past. James is the best damn attorney in this county and with your help, Kristal will be found innocent. What I need you to do is to work with him."
"Patrice, I don't have a problem working with him. But I need to be honest with you and tell you that unless I find hardcore evidence that exonerates Kristal, she is not going to win her case."
"Young lady, you need to stop being so pessimistic. You will get her off. I just know you will."
"Do you know anyone who wanted to kill Ralph?"
"All those damn racists in the Fire Department."
"Like who?"
"I don't know. That's what you need to find out."
"Patrice, if a racist killed Ralph, why would a racist kill Dan Fulton?"
Patrice looked at me and was silent for a few seconds. She said, "I don't know why they killed Dan Fulton. Maybe he sympathized with Ralph."
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"Patrice, that is not possible. Dan was known as a racist. There is no way that Dan would associate with Ralph or anyone African-American for that matter."
Patrice smiled and said, "Kristal was right in picking you. I am glad that you did your homework on Dan. But the bottom line is that there are two dead black men and there is no way Kristal would kill them. It's not in her nature."
It's not in her nature. What the hell was this woman talking about?
Kristal's father was sitting up in prison for killing a man.
I said, "What was the race of the man Kristal’s father killed?"
"Which one?"
Jesus Christ, there was more than one.
"I thought you said that he was in prison for killing a man who harassed Kristal's mother."
Patrice answered, "Initially, Joe was sentenced to ten years in prison for manslaughter, because he killed a brother who harassed Kristal's mother. While Joe was in the pen, he tried to stop a fight between a couple of inmates and Joe got in the middle and a white prison guard was stabbed to death. Joe was innocent, but they tacked on a life sentence without parole. He's never getting out."
Kristal's father was an equal opportunity killer. That was just dandy.
Just like Kristal might be. I hoped that the media didn't get hold of this information.
I asked, "Does Kristal have any brothers or sisters?"
Patrice replied, "No, her mother and father stopped just at one."
Thank God, because who knows how they would have turned out.
Probably, there would have been a family portrait at San Quentin.
"I am an only child too. I guess Kristal and I have a little bit in common."
"No, young lady, you and Kristal have a lot in common. You just don't know it."
"Like what?"
"I am not going to waste my time talking about it. I'm just saying you need to help her. It doesn't matter that Kristal's family has problems. If I told you about my family, you would think that Kristal's mother and father were angels. I know that Kristal did not kill anybody. She is like a sister to me. And you will help her. Period."
"Patrice, like I said before. I will do my best. I just need evidence."
"Young lady, you will get what you need. It may take some time, but you will get it."
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Patrice then shook my hand and left.
Who was this Patrice Collins and how could she be so sure of Kristal?
Given Kristal's family background, any reasonable person would con-clude that Kristal was bred to be a killer and she was capable of killing.
And so what if she had raised Kristal? How many grandmothers and mothers pled that their child was innocent when the evidence showed otherwise?
But there was something different about Patrice Collins. It bothered me that she said Kristal and I had a lo
t in common. What did she mean by that? Of course, she could be just talking shit and was just trying to get me to do something for Kristal.
That had to be it. After all, she was the President of the African-American Coalition. She was trained in the art of persuasion and she knew how to get what she wanted. So I shouldn't pay attention to any personal comments directed at me.
Like I told her, what I needed was evidence and she had better use all of her power in the community to get it for me.
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9
Chapter
New Chapter
Outside the courthouse, there were over a hundred people picketing with signs saying "Free Kristal, she's innocent."
When I entered the courtroom, it was packed with reporters. The Mayor along with a dozen other public officials were sitting in the front row of the courtroom. Kristal's supporters sat on the left side of the courtroom and the friends and families of the Chief and Dan Fulton sat on the right side.
Standing at the prosecution's table was Deputy District Attorney Sandra Morales. She was a striking woman in her mid-forties. She was 5'7" with short upswept jet black hair and a willowy figure. Her tailored red suit exuded power and confidence. Next to her was her assistant who was an African-American man in his early thirties. He was slightly pudgy and his navy blue suit needed a good dry cleaning.
At the defendant's table was James Colby. In his late thirties, he was 6'3" with a wide chest and broad shoulders. His tailored gray Armani suit draped his hard body perfectly. His tie was just the right shade of red. His hair was closely cropped with a few strands of gray. His mus-tache was thick and full. His skin was the color of sweet dark chocolate.
He was in his prime and he knew it.
Next to him was his assistant who was a red haired, green-eyed woman in her mid thirties. She was tall and full bodied- a big beautiful woman. Her navy blue suit was cut to show her round feminine curves.
Kristal sat at the defendant's table shackled in her orange suit. From her eyes, you could tell that she was frightened. She looked a little better than last night.
The bailiff called in Judge Alexis Pennington into the courtroom. She was a small faded looking woman in her late forties. Her hair was completely gray and her face was covered with premature wrinkles from years of smoking.
Judge Pennington called the courtroom to order.
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Sandra Morales said in an authoritative voice, "Your honor, the People are requesting that the defendant Kristal Woods be held without bail.
The defendant is a threat to the community. She has been charged with the murders of three people-her husband Ralph Woods, former Assistant Chief Richard Carpenter and firefighter Dan Fulton. Because defendant has committed these horrible premeditated acts, the People are also seek-ing the death penalty in this case."
In a baritone voice, James Colby said, "Your honor, my client is not a threat to the community. She is innocent of the crimes that she has been charged with. For the past ten years, my client Kristal Woods has given her heart and soul to the community. She has won numerous awards for her community work. I have over fifty letters from community leaders throughout Santa Clara County to attest to Kristal's character.
"More importantly, I have a letter from Kristal's doctor to attest to the fact Kristal is eight weeks pregnant. She is suffering from terrible bouts of morning sickness and confining her to jail will make her condition worse."
A male voice shouted from the back, "Then she should get an abortion.
She killed three innocent people!"
Judge Pennington banged her gavel and said, "Bailiffs, arrest that man.
I will not tolerate any outbursts in my courtroom."
Two bailiffs handcuffed a burly man in his late twenties. He continued to shout, "Give her the lethal injection. A life for a life. She's a murderer."
Several people in the courtroom joined in chanting, "Give her the lethal injection. She's a murderer."
Judge Pennington fiercely banged her gavel and shouted, "I will not tolerate any outbursts in my courtroom."
The chanting became louder, "Fry her, she's a murderer. Fry her, she's a murderer."
Judge Pennington shouted, "Stop it, now!"
A dozen bailiffs rushed in and handcuffed the chanters one by one who continued to chant as they were led out of the courtroom.
Judge Pennington said, "Now, if there are any more outbursts in this courtroom, no one from the public will be permitted to attend any proceeding in this case. This is a court of law and I expect every individual to conduct herself or himself with dignity."
Sandra Morales rose and said, "Your honor, I am sorry for the outburst. It is unfortunate that you had to witness such childish behavior.
Your honor, we disagree that the defendant should be provided with bail. First, the fact that she has morning sickness is not a reason to grant 61
the defendant bail. Elmwood has a separate unit that houses pregnant inmates. This unit has an OB/GYN who can treat the defendant's condition. It would be unprecedented to release an inmate on the basis of morning sickness. Millions of women throughout our nation have gone through morning sickness. You have gone through it and so have I. It's an unpleasant condition, but as you and I both know, morning sickness is not a life threatening condition.
"Moreover, your honor, the defendant has been charged with not one but three murders. The fact that she was a community leader is absolutely irrelevant. So is the fact that she has fifty letters of support. Her supporters know the public Kristal Woods, but they do not know the private Kristal Woods who planned and killed three innocent people who were members of the San Jose Fire Department. Defendant is a threat to every San Jose firefighter. The People in all good conscience cannot consent to bail. If defendant is released, she is likely to kill again."
James Colby rose and said, "Your honor, this is a bail setting hearing.
Deputy District Attorney Morales should not be trying this case today.
My client Kristal Woods has led an exemplary life. She is a law-abiding citizen. She has never even received a traffic ticket. She is a high school teacher, a community leader, and a soon to be mother. She is a role model.
"I vehemently disagree with Ms. Morales' assessment that Ms. Woods'
supporters do not know the real her. Fannie Jimenez is Ms. Woods'
former high school teacher and guidance counselor. She has known Ms.
Woods for over twenty years. Ms. Woods is like a daughter to her.
Whenever Ms. Woods has a problem, she seeks Ms. Jimenez's advice.
"Larry Cameron is another supporter who has known Ms. Woods since grade school. Ms. Woods is like a sister to him.
"Ms. Woods' supporters are not individuals who read about her in the newspaper or saw her on television. Rather they are people who know the real Ms. Woods who is a caring and giving individual.
"Finally, your honor, I disagree with Ms. Morales' assessment of Ms.
Woods' condition. First of all, Ms. Woods' doctor's letter states that if my client does not receive proper treatment, she is likely to miscarry and lose her baby. Your honor, an innocent child's life is at stake. You heard those horrible comments from those protestors about destroying my client's child. Why should an innocent child's life be lost? It is just not right, your honor. It's immoral and unjust. Therefore, for the future well being of Ms. Woods' child, please set bail for Ms. Wood."
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Judge Pennington cleared her throat and said, "I understand the plight of the defendant. I have read her doctor's letter. I also have read the letters of her supporters. Defendant is revered by many and has never been charged with any wrong doing in the past.
Nonetheless, I cannot in good conscience grant bail to the defendant.
She has been charged with killing three individuals. The District Attorney has shown that the defendant is a threat to the community.
With respect to defendant's medical condition, I hereby grant her doctor un
limited visitation rights to Elmwood Women's Jail and its medical facility. If necessary, defendant can be transported to Valley Medical Center Hospital under the care of her doctor.
Therefore, based on the above provisions that I have made, I am hereby denying defendant's request for bail."
Kristal's body began to shake and tears ran down her cheeks. Her face became contorted and she vomited on the table. She continued to vomit for the next minute and she cried uncontrollably.
James took a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped Kristal's face.
He asked the bailiff for paper towels and cleaned the desk with the paper towels. James whispered to Kristal that he would see her later that afternoon. Kristal was escorted from the courtroom by a bailiff.
Patrice's face showed that she was angry with the judge's decision. If the judge had asked her opinion, she would have said the DA could go to hell. Because I didn't want to deal with Patrice's wrath, I didn't say anything to her.
Instead, I went outside where reporters swarmed around James Colby and Sandra Morales. From the corner of my eye, I saw a reporter interviewing the Mayor. I walked toward the Mayor and heard her saying to the reporter, "This is a sad day for San Joseans. Kristal Woods is a personal friend who not only deceived me but everyone else. I feel violated and I grieve for the lives of three innocent men who served our city proudly."
I wanted to scream traitor. How could Kristal be so stupid in trusting this woman? This woman was not her friend. She didn't know the mean-ing of friendship.
As I turned to walk away, I was tapped on the shoulder. I turned around and saw a pleasant looking man in his middle thirties. His gray suit hung loosely around him. He looked like he could use another ten or fifteen pounds to fill out his frame. He wasn't classically handsome, but he looked like the kind a man whom you could share any type of 63
information and he still would respect you. From his deep-set dark brown eyes, I could tell that he was a giving man.
He opened his mouth and said, "Hello, I am Michael Baylor. I am Kristal and Ralph Woods' minister. You must be Jasmine Myers."
I nodded my headed and said, "I'm pleased to meet you."