DJ took a deep breath and asked, “Well...we did want to know where Dad was when he was murdered. We also want to know how he was killed and by whom.”
“Well, I’m not going to lie to you or your sister. Your father and I were having some problems a few years ago. We didn’t want to worry you so we didn’t tell you. We both love you guys with all of our hearts.
“After I was released from the hospital, your father and I started talking more and working on our relationship. He loved me and I loved him and we promised that we would never grow so distant with each other again.
“Your father was killed by a friend of his—a female friend. The police seem to believe that she asked him to come over that morning and after he was there for a short period of time, she shot and killed him as he was leaving.
“She has been arrested and is being charged with his murder. That’s all the information I have. I don’t want you to be angry with your dad for going over there. He was a dear, sweet man and no matter what happened, do know that he loved all of us very much,” as she finished, she hugged both children tightly.
“We’re not mad at him, Mom. We just wanted to know everything that happened,” explained Katherine.
“Thanks for being honest with us. What are we going to do now? It already feels so weird not having him here. I miss him so much,” said DJ, trying to hold back the tears.
“Come here, son. It’s okay to cry. He was your dad and you loved him and he loved you. It’s okay to miss him. I miss him too. I miss him too,” she said repeatedly as they all started crying.
“I hope the lady that killed Daddy goes to prison for a long, long, time. I don’t feel good. Mom, I think I am going to throw up,” said Katherine, running over to the sink.
“That’s okay. Let it out baby. Let it out,” said Kristie, rubbing Katherine’s back as she cried.
While she was consoling the children the doorbell rang. It was her in-laws, so Kristie went to the door and let them in. They could tell that she had been crying and immediately started hugging her. She called for the children and when they saw their grandparents they ran to them and starting crying on their shoulders.
After about an hour, Katherine and DJ went upstairs to get showered and dressed while Kristie and Donald’s parents made the funeral arrangements. This was very difficult for her. She had never thought about planning his funeral before.
While meeting with her in-laws, she received a call from the prosecutor’s office.
“Hello Mrs. Blakely, this is Attorney Lewis with the prosecutor’s office. Do you have a few minutes to talk?” he asked.
“Hello. Is something wrong?” she asked.
“No, I was calling to see how you and the family are holding up and to update you on the case,” he replied.
“We’re hanging in there as best we can,” she answered.
“I want you to know that the police have done a thorough investigation and we have enough evidence to go to trial. Before we proceed, we wanted to explain to you how difficult it can be on families to have their life placed under a microscope and dissected.
“Now it is important for you to understand that the defense will use everything in their power to get their client off, even if that means putting your marriage and your husband’s character on trial. They will more than likely try and make it seem as if the crime was justified in some way.
“Based on the police investigation, it seems pretty clear that your husband was indeed having an affair with the defendant over an eight-year period. This will more than likely come out in trial. The attorneys may say that your husband was abusive towards the defendant in the past and on the morning of the murder.
“We have no evidence to support that claim, but they don’t need evidence; they can simply make a statement to get the jury on their side. We believe we have a clear case for First Degree Murder, but honestly I’ve seen defendants get off, especially when it is a crime of passion,” he explained before she interrupted.
“So what are you saying? My life and my relationship with my husband is now evidence? I don’t understand. How can they do that? She shot and killed my husband—it’s that simple,” Kristie said angrily, trying not to cry again.
“It seems that simple but law is never that clear-cut. Again, the defense has one goal in mind and that is to keep their client out of prison. Our goal is to get her in prison. They are not denying that she shot him; they will more than likely try and argue the intent behind the murder. Since the defendant has a history of depression and other mental and emotional problems, we think they will use this to try and get her off,” he said.
“Listen Mr. Lewis, my children and I are already struggling with the death of my husband and their father. I’m not sure I want them going through the agony of a long trial, especially because they are still in school and have to face their friends.
“Is there any way we can ensure she gets prison time without going to trial? We want and need closure,” she pleaded.
“Well, the defense has stated if we offer a plea deal, their client would be willing to plead guilty. In that case we won’t have to go to trial and she will still go to prison. Although we’ll recommend a prison sentence, it will be up to the judge to accept it or not,” he explained.
“That sounds better. If we offer a plea bargain, what would happen next?” she asked, regaining her composure.
“We would ask for allocution, which means the defendant will have to describe the nature of the murder in detail in order to receive her plea deal. The families of the victim are often present in the court. This will help you with your closure. It’s up to you if you want the children present,” he explained.
“I’m not sure if I want them there but I know I’ll be there along with his family. Please keep me informed,” she said.
The attorney’s tone was kind, “I will. Again, I am sorry for your loss. Take care.”
“Who was that, Kristie?” asked Donald’s father.
“That was the lawyer from the District Attorney’s office. He wanted me to know that they have completed the investigation and are ready to go to trial. I explained that I’m not sure if I can handle a trial.
“He said that my life and Don’s would be scrutinized and possibly misrepresented. Terrible things may come out about him that I don’t want the children to learn,” she explained.
“What kind of terrible things?” Don’s mother asked.
After checking to make sure the children were still upstairs, she proceeded to tell them what the attorney relayed to her.
“Don was having an affair with the woman who shot him. The police found this out during their investigation and think it lasted for about eight years. The prosecutor believes her attorneys will try and say that he was abusive towards her during their relationship, which is why she shot him.
“Although there is no evidence that this is true, he believes the defense will lie and claim abuse occurred to get their client off. I don’t want this lie being spread about him. I don’t want him painted as some monster when he was not,” she said emphatically.
“I cannot believe he was having an affair—and for eight years? That just cannot be true,” exclaimed his mother.
Kristie chose not to address that issue, “He said both sides are interested in a plea bargain to avoid going to trial. If they accept the deal the prosecutor offers, then she would have to admit her guilt and describe in detail what happened to a judge in open court.”
“Would she still go to prison?” asked his father.
“Yes. He also said we would be allowed to be there to hear what happened. I told him we would all be there. I’m not sure if I want the children to go,” Kristie explained.
“I don’t think you should take them,” Don’s mother suggested.
“I agree,” said his father.
“I’ll talk to them to see what they want to do. DJ is almost nineteen and Kat seventeen. They need closure as well. We’ll see,” considered Kristie.
In the meantime, Ted and his children were still trying to cope with the realization that Lynn was going to prison. He had made contact with the District Attorney, whom he worked for when he was a prosecutor.
They shared that they agreed to offer Lynn a plea bargain because the victim’s family wanted immediate closure but she had to allocute or plead guilty in front of the judge and the victim’s family.
There was no doubt in his mind that she would accept whatever plea she was offered, especially since if they lost at trial, she could face a minimum of twenty-years without early release if found guilty.
A month had passed since Donald’s murder and funeral. On the day they were scheduled to go to court for the allocution, the hearing began at 11:00 a.m. at the Cook County District Court Criminal Division at the South California Avenue location.
Kristie was so nervous. Her in-laws met her and the kids at their house so they could all ride together. She was not sure how she was going to handle seeing her husband’s lover and killer face-to-face. She didn’t know what to expect but she could not wait to get closure so she and the kids could try and move forward with their lives.
They arrived to the courtroom at 10:30. The prosecutor handling the case immediately greeted them at the door. He pulled her to the side to see how she was doing and to go over the process with her again.
He told her that they were asking the judge to give the defendant a minimum sentence of twelve to fifteen years. Kristie was not happy with the low sentencing recommendation but she just wanted to put everything behind her.
While she was talking to the prosecutor, a familiar face walked past her. She couldn’t believe it; it was Ted. She had not seen nor spoken with him since this entire ordeal occurred. She wanted to go over and talk with him but didn’t think it was wise.
She had no idea that his wife was involved with Donald. She assumed he was in court representing one of his clients. He did not notice her standing there as he made his way into the courtroom.
After the prosecutor finished talking with her she joined her family and told them what he said so they would not be surprised during the allocution.
After twenty minutes had passed, they were called into the courtroom. She was surprised to see so many people, many of whom she did not know. There were a few cases before Lynn’s. As she listened to the other cases she grew more nervous.
Finally, their case was called. When Lynn walked into the courtroom she looked very different to Kristie close up. She had almost forgotten Lynn’s appearance from the day she followed Donald over to her house over seven months before.
After the reading of the docket number, the judge started to speak.
“In the matter of the people vs. Lynn Finch, I understand you have reached a plea deal,” said Judge Sullivan.
Kristie nearly passed out when she heard Lynn’s last name. She started feeling nauseated and then burst into tears. She finally knew who Lynn was—her lover’s ex-wife.
The sound of her crying caused people to stare at her. When Ted heard the outburst he knew it was probably the victim’s family and slowly turned to take a look. When he saw Kristie sitting there he stared in disbelief. He too now realized that their spouses were lovers.
“Yes, Your Honor, we have,” said the prosecutor.
“Will the defendant please stand. Mrs. Finch, as part of the terms of your plea deal you agree to allocute to the crime you are being charged with committing—Second Degree Murder. Is that true?” asked the judge.
“Yes,” said Lynn quietly.
“Let it be duly noted that the defendant hereby agrees to allocute to the crime of Second Degree Murder. You may proceed with the allocution,” explained Judge Sullivan.
“On the day of the shooting I called Mr. Blakely over to my home so we could talk. I only wanted to talk to him. I tried to hold him close. He became angry because I wouldn’t let him go. When I tried to kiss him he pushed me away and said he never wanted to see me again.
“When he turned to leave the room I reached out to him again and tried to get him to stay. This time he grabbed me with both hands and shook me and told me to leave him the hell alone.
“When he let me go I fell on the bed. Something inside of me snapped and I pulled the gun out of my nightstand and shot him as he was walking out. I am so sorry for everything. I never meant to kill him. I loved him. He was my best friend,” said Lynn as she sobbed.
The only other sounds in the courtroom were the cries of Kristie, DJ, Katherine, and Donald’s parents.
“Is the state satisfied with the defendant’s allocution?” asked the judge.
“Yes we are, Your Honor,” said the prosecutor.
“It is my understanding that the state is recommending a minimum sentence of twelve to fifteen years. Is that correct?” asked Judge Sullivan.
“Yes, that is correct,” agreed the prosecutor.
“Mrs. Finch, please stand. Since both sides are satisfied with the plea bargain and the prosecutor is satisfied with the allocution, I am ready to proceed to sentencing.
“I have taken into consideration the recommendation of the prosecutor and after hearing the defendant’s firsthand account of the murder of Donald Blakely, I am choosing to use my legal right as a judge to alter the terms of the plea.
“Mrs. Finch, because your crime was one of passion does not omit the fact that you have taken the life of an innocent man. By your own admission, Mr. Blakely posed no physical threat to you. You admitted to shooting him in cold blood in the back as he was exiting your room.
“Because of selfish reasons you have taken a husband away from his wife and a father away from his children. I am sentencing you to a minimum of sixteen years in prison. Bailiffs, take the defendant into custody. Court is adjourned,” said Judge Sullivan.
Lynn started to cry. She nearly passed out. Ted and her attorney had to grab hold of her as she fell back. Ted gave her a hug before she was cuffed and taken away. He could not believe the judge had given her sixteen years. He did not know how he was going to go home and explain it to their children.
As he and her attorney made their way towards the exit he looked over at Kristie. He didn’t know what to do or say. He wanted to go to her but knew he couldn’t. There stood his soul mate and his true love in pain and there was nothing he could do about it. He felt so helpless.
When she saw Ted looking in her direction she knew exactly what was on his mind because she was thinking the same thing. She could see in his eyes that he wanted to come to her and hold her and make everything better.
Instead, they had to pretend as if they did not know each other. Here stood two lovers destined to be together now torn even further apart.
As he walked passed her, their eyes met, their tears reflecting their pain. Both realized that the love they shared and any hopes they had of ever being together as a family were now destroyed. They would forever be soul mates but they could never be together as husband and wife.
When he left the courtroom he sent her a text that read:
“It seems like things keep getting in our way of true happiness. I love you, Kristie. You are forever my love, my life, my soul mate. Always remember I am here for a lifetime no matter what. Goodbye.”
Later that afternoon, as she lay across the bed reading his message, she began to cry. In her return text she wrote:
“Life can be cruel and so unfair. It seems we are destined to be apart. If only we had left them sooner then perhaps Donald would be alive, Lynn wouldn’t be in prison, and we would be happy. Now that my children have seen you in court today and know your wife killed their father, we can never be together. Knowing this is tearing me apart. I love you, Ted. You will forever be my friend, lover, and soul mate for a lifetime. Goodbye.”
As she stretched across the bed she turned to look out of the window. She had never felt more alone.
Simply Complicated Page 31
