And it settles something real, because it is not just my judgment against theirs — it is the judgment of the law, of the community, of a jury of citizens, rendered in the open where it can be seen and trusted.

That is what my daughter deserved.

Not for her father to become a murderer on her behalf, but for the world to formally, publicly declare that what was done to her was a crime, and that the people who did it are not, in fact, above the rules that protect her.

I did not get revenge for Chloe.

I got her something far better and far harder.

I got her justice.