Chapter 7 - THE PAPERWEIGHT
Forensic testing strengthened the assault case.
Michael’s blood on the bronze horse-head paperweight.
Microscopic material consistent with fibers from the garage.
Vanessa’s fingerprints on ordinary areas of the object.
Not surprising.
It came from her business world.
But the object had been inside her handbag when police seized it shortly after Noah’s arrival at the wedding.
That was much more significant.
Her defense had an explanation.
She said Michael attacked her.
She grabbed the paperweight defensively.
Struck him once.
Then panicked.
If true, self-defense could change everything.
So investigators examined physical evidence.
Vanessa had minor redness on one wrist.
No major injury.
Could Michael have grabbed her?
Yes.
Did evidence show he attacked first?
Unclear.
Then the garage security system yielded audio.
No video inside.
Audio from a door camera.
The argument:
MICHAEL:
You forged Dad’s signature.
VANESSA:
You don’t know what you’re talking about.
MICHAEL:
Karen already gave a statement.
Silence.
VANESSA:
Give me the report.
MICHAEL:
No.
Then footsteps.
A crash.
Michael:
Vanessa, put that down.
Then an impact.
Another.
May you like
No evidence Michael attacked first in that recording.
The self-defense claim weakened dramatically.
