“The satellite logs place my client on site from 6:30 a.m. until his seven-year-old son rode his bicycle three miles through 105-degree heat to get him,” Marcus said.

“And who put this heavy brass padlock on the freezer on the morning of July 18th?” Judge Gomez asked.

“Mrs.

Ramos put it on herself, Your Honor,” Marcus said.

“And we have a subpoenaed witness ready to explain why she did it,” Marcus said.

“Call your witness,” Judge Gomez said.

Beatrice Miller walked down the carpeted center aisle, her beige trench coat buttoned to the collar and her silver neck chain catching the light.

She fidgeted with her silver chain as the court clerk raised a hand, gave the oath, and pointed her to the wooden witness box.