The amended charges addressed the unlawful confinement and coordinated conduct.

The judge questioned the defendants about their understanding, the rights they were giving up, and the facts they admitted.

Arthur withdrew his not-guilty plea and entered a guilty plea to the amended charges.

David did the same.

Their lawyers did not simply nod while a judge sentenced them from a photograph.

The plea terms were reviewed and the pleas taken on the record.

I watched David pull at his collar once, then put his hand flat on the table.