Chapter 17 - Ronan’s defense
Ronan’s lawyers argued:
The $180,000 payment was for legitimate security.
“Route containment” meant protecting high-value shipments.
His meeting language referred to stopping Seraphina from accessing confidential files through legal injunctions and internal controls.
Northstar acted independently.
He never requested violence.
Possible.
Then the former Northstar operations manager cooperated.
He testified that Ronan had been told:
“Physical intervention may be necessary.”
Ronan answered:
“Then do what protects the organization.”
Still not:
Kill her.
But context mattered.
Then a Northstar contractor admitted participating in the road attack.
He said the plan initially was:
Intimidate.
Seize records.
Force Seraphina to stop.
The shooting occurred when she resisted and tried to flee.
That complicated homicide liability.
Was Ronan responsible for a killing he claimed he did not specifically request?
May you like
Prosecutors pursued conspiracy and felony theories.
A jury would eventually decide some of it.
