Chapter 17 - The verdict
Carla was convicted of misdemeanor assault involving Lily.
The jury acquitted a more serious aggravated-assault theory requiring proof of intent or circumstances they did not unanimously find beyond reasonable doubt.
The skewer caused a superficial puncture and bruising.
No deep penetration.
No lasting impairment.
Mixed result.
Lily was not in court.
She was at school.
Then sentencing scheduled.
Carla’s civil claim against me remained.
Property accounting remained.
Harold and Judith’s occupancy hearing remained.
Nothing was over.
Carla told reporters:
“I never meant to hurt my niece.”
I did not respond publicly.
Then Bennett Residential filed a mechanic’s lien?
Not exactly. It had management claims, but not construction contractor perhaps. It could assert contract claim against trust for unpaid approved invoices.
Carla demanded:
$141,000
in unpaid management/repair fees.
Meridian acknowledged some legitimate unpaid amounts:
Approximately $44,000.
The rest disputed.
May you like
Carla refused settlement.
Another battle.
