Chapter 6 - My Threat
“Touch my daughter again, die.”
That sentence followed me into my own case.
Police interviewed me the day after Lily’s treatment.
I had:
Shoved Walter initially while removing Lily from immediate danger.
Potentially justified as protective force.
Then later:
Punched him after Lily was safe.
Kicked tongs away.
Grabbed his shirt.
Threatened death.
Those were separate actions.
My lawyer, Elise Warren, asked:
“Did you intend to kill your father?”
“No.”
“Did you have a weapon?”
“No.”
“Did you pursue him after separation?”
“No.”
“Did anyone restrain you from continuing?”
“No.”
“Did you release him when Mason spoke?”
“Yes.”
The prosecutor considered:
Misdemeanor assault and battery.
Potential threat charge.
Context.
No prior record.
My initial protective shove distinguished from later punch.
The death statement was conditional and made during an emotional confrontation after child injury.
That did not make it wise.
Ultimately they charged the punch/grab as misdemeanor assault and battery.
The threat was documented but not separately prosecuted after review.
I received a pretrial diversion offer.
Anger-management program.
Forty hours community service.
No contact with Walter except through counsel during the child-safety investigation.
No weapons restrictions because none relevant.
Complete successfully:
case dismissed.
I accepted.
Some relatives called it:
“ridiculous.”
My uncle said:
“He burned your kid. Anyone would hit him.”
Maybe.
That did not make it lawful after the danger stopped.
Ava was even clearer.
“You want Lily growing up thinking men prove love by hurting whoever hurt her?”
“No.”
“Then don’t teach it.”
I hated her for ten seconds.
Then:
“You’re right.”
“I know.”
Annoying woman.
Good co-parent.
I told Lily:
“I hit Grandpa.”
“You save me.”
“I moved you away. That was saving.”
Then:
“The punch happened after you were safe.”
“Grandpa mean.”
“Yes.”
“Can hit mean?”
“No.”
She looked outraged at legal complexity.
“But police?”
“Police help decide consequences.”
“What if police mean?”
Five-year-olds find loopholes immediately.
“We talk to safe grown-ups and lawyers and courts.”
She frowned.
“Too many people.”
May you like
Correct.
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