Judge George presided — a woman known for sitting quietly and letting people talk themselves into the truth.

Samantha’s attorney tried to soften it. “Your Honor, my client was overwhelmed by family pressure. This was a household dispute that escalated under emotional strain, not a planned criminal act.”

Judge George adjusted her glasses and looked down at him without a shred of give.

“Counselor, dragging a terrified child across a driveway by her hair while adults record and mock her will never be called a household dispute in my courtroom.”

Samantha covered her face and wept audibly.

I watched without feeling anything at all. The woman I’d loved was simply not there anymore.