But she held her composure no he made his intentions very clear he threatened me and he hurt Max there was nothing to misinterpret. The lawyer smirked slightly as though he had expected her answer you claim he threatened you but did he ever physically harm you isn't it true. That you and your companion escalated the situation by pursuing him later James shifted slightly in his seat but Nia didn't waver we didn't escalate anything. She said firmly we stood up to him because he thought he could get away with what he did and I wasn't going to let. That happen the lawyer raised an eyebrow but didn't press further no further questions your honor as Nia stepped down from the stand her legs trembled slightly.
But her resolve remained unbroken she returned to her seat her eyes meeting James's in the gallery he gave her a small nod and she felt. A flicker of strength return the trial was far from over but she had told her truth now it was up to the court to decide. The defense wasted no time presenting their case Cas Jared's attorney Mr Finch exuded a practiced confidence as he stepped in front of the jury. His crisp suit and smooth tone contrasted sharply with the simmering tension in the room ladies and gentlemen Finch began gesturing toward. Jared who sat stiffly at the defense table this case is not as straightforward as the prosecution would have you believe my client Mr.
Owens has been painted as a monster but I urge you to look beyond the surface ask yourselves was this truly a deliberate Act of Cruelty or a misunderstanding. That spiraled out of control Nia clenched her fists beneath the table her nails biting into her Palms Finch's words were slick and manipulative. But she kept her gaze steady refusing to show any reaction the defense called their first witness a former coworker of jids a man. In his late 30s with a nervous demeanor he spoke haltingly claiming jar had always been a little rough around the edges but wasn't. A bad guy Jared's had a tough life the man said shifting in his seat lost his job his home sometimes he gets angry.
But who wouldn't thank you Finch said offering the man a kind smile no further questions Ellen's cross-examination was Swift you say Mr. Owens gets angry has he ever directed that anger at you or others the witness hesitated well not me personally but I've seen him lose. His temper a few arguments at work nothing serious and did these arguments ever escalate to physical violence Ellen pressed the man faltered. His gaze darting to Jared I guess there were a couple of times he got physical but that's not the same as what you're saying happened here. Ellen nodded her voice calm but firm thank you for clarifying next Finch called Jared to the stand he walked with an air of defiance though.
The bruises from his fight with James were still faintly visible sitting stiffly he avoided Nia's gaze as he answered Finch's questions Mr Owens. Finch began can you tell the court what happened that evening from your perspective Jared leaned into the microphone his voice figing calm I was walking. Through the park minding my business she he jabbed a finger in Nia's Direction came out of nowhere yelling at me her dog started barking. And growling and I panicked I didn't mean to hurt the dog but it was aggressive Finch nodded sympathetically so you felt threatened yeah. Jared said his voice growing louder that dog was coming at me I just reacted Nia's anger flared but Ellen placed a calming hand.
On her arm let him dig his own hole she whispered did you steal anything from Miss Carter Finch continued no Jared said firmly I. Don't even know what she's talking about she made that up to make me look bad Finch smiled no further questions Ellen Rose her movements deliberate. As she approached the stand Mr Owens she began her voice cool you claim you felt threatened by Max did you report. This supposed aggressive dog to anyone Animal Control the police Jared shifted in his seat his confidence wavering no but and you said you didn't steal from M Carter. Ellen interrupted then why did she describe you running off with her wallet that didn't happen Jared snapped she's lying Ellen raised an eyebrow.
Her expression sharp and yet the police recovered her wallet from your storage unit care to explain how it got there Jared's mouth opened and closed. His face reding I don't know maybe she planted it a murmur rippled through the courtroom and the judge's gavel wrapped sharply order. Ellen stepped closer her voice cutting so according to you m Carter is a liar her dog is aggressive and the police evidence is fabricated convenient. Jared glared at her but said nothing Ellen turned to the jury her expression calm but pointed no further questions your honor as Jared returned to his seat. His earlier bravado cracked and exposed Nia felt a flicker of satisf faction he was unraveling but the trial wasn't over yet and the stakes.
Were too high to celebrate early the final day of the trial arrived and the courtroom was electric with tension every seat in the gallery was filled. The soft murmur of Spectators barely masking the gravity of what was about to happen Nia sat at the prosecution's table her hands resting. On Max's leash she didn't take her eyes off Ellen Morris who stood confidently in front of the jury ready to deliver her close in argument ladies and gentlemen. Ellen began her voice steady and clear this case is about responsibility Jared Owens Made a series of deliberate choices on the evening in question. He chose to approach M Carter and her dog he chose to threaten her to harm her dog and to steal from her these actions were not accidental.
They were deliberate malicious and entirely avoidable Ellen paced slowly her gaze sweeping across the jury the defense would have you believe this was all. A misunderstanding that Mr Owens acted out of fear but let's consider the facts Miz Carter's testimony was consistent detailed and corroborated by physical evidence. The stolen wallet recovered from The defendant's Possession doctor Patel's records confirm the severity of Max's injuries which were not the result of a simple misstep. But a deliberate Act of cruel cruelty Ellen stopped her eyes locking on the jury and then there are Mr owens's own words his hostility. His lack of remorse his refusal to take accountability this isn't about an overreaction it's about a pattern of behavior a pattern that led to this violent act she gestured toward.
Nia her voice softening slightly Miss Carter came here not for Revenge but for justice she has sh courage and resolve in standing up for herself. And her dog ensuring that someone who thinks they can act with impunity is held accountable we ask you to do the same. Ellen returned to the prosecution's table her steps measured this is your chance to send a message to show that actions like Mr owens's have consequences. I trust you'll do the right thing the jury's Expressions were unreadable but Nia felt a flicker of Hope as Ellen sat down beside her you did amazing. Nia whispered Ellen gave her a small smile now we wait Finch stood next adjusting his tie as he approached the jury.
His tone was smooth almost conversational ladies and gentlemen we've heard a lot of emotional testimony over the past few days and while my heart. Goes out to Miz Carter and her dog I urge you to consider the possibility that emotions have clouded this case he gestured toward. Jared who sat rigidly at the defense table Mr Owens has admitted to making mistakes he's not perfect but who Among Us is the prosecution. Wants you to believe he's some kind of monster but the evidence shows otherwise there's Reasonable Doubt here doubt about his intent doubt about the events. As described by Miz Carter and doubt about whether this was truly a crime or an unfortunate misunderstanding Finch's closing argument was smooth.