Darnell replied I've never been arrested or even received a traffic ticket I'm an accountant I was just waiting for my sister like I do every Thursday and how has. This incident affected you Darnell's composure cracked slightly I I used to believe that if you did everything right followed the rules respected Authority you'd be okay now I'm nervous every time I see. A patrol car I had to explain to my nieces why their uncle was in handcuffs how do you explain something like that to children from her seat. Savannah heard Patricia Washington stifle a sob for the first time since the arrest doubt crept into her mind she glanced at judge Carter and found him watching. Her his expression unreadable officer Mitchell judge Carter's voice cut through her thoughts please take the stand as Savannah walked to the witness box.
She tried to recapture her earlier confidence she'd practiced her testimony prepared her answers but under the harsh fluorescent lights with judge Carter's penetrating gaze fixed on her those practiced words felt Hollow. Officer Mitchell Williams began his cross-examination please explain why you felt Mr Washington's Behavior was suspicious enough to Warrant investigation I Savannah swallowed hard. The call stated the call we've established came from an empty pay phone Williams interrupted letun focus on what you actually observed he was standing near. The store entrance Savannah said her voice smaller than usual it's a high crime area objection Williams cut in the crime statistics for that neighborhood show it's. One of the safest in the city would you like me to enter those statistics into evidence sustained judge Carter said officer Mitchell please stick to your direct observations.
The questioning continued each of Savannah's answers sounding weaker than the last Williams methodically exposed every inconsistency every assumption every moment where her prejudices had colored. Her actions one final question Williams said in your report you claimed Mr Washington made a sudden threatening movement yet in none of the videos not the bystander footage not your body cam not the store. Security camera does any such movement appear how do you explain this discrepancy Savannah felt sweat beating on her forehead the courtroom was silent waiting for her answer. She looked at Darnell at his family at judge Carter the weight of Truth pressed down on her I I thought he was going to she trailed off unable to finish. The lie you thought judge Carter's voice was quiet but carried to every corner of the courtroom officer Mitchell in your report you stated with certainty there was no thought or believed you wrote.
It as fact are you now saying you were mistaken I Savannah's voice cracked I may have misinterpreted may have judge Carter's tone sharpened. Officer Mitchell you are under oath did Mr Washington make a threatening movement or did you lie in your report the silence stretched for what felt like hours. Finally barely audible Savannah whispered no sir he didn't move like that I'm sorry judge Carter said I don't believe everyone heard you please speak up Savannah's face burned with shame no your honor. Mr Washington did not make a threatening movement I I wrote what I thought would justify the arrest the admission hung in the air like smoke from The Gallery. Savannah heard someone gasp she couldn't bear to look at Thompson or her other colleagues judge Carter's voice cut through the silence given this admission we adjourn for today Mr.