Nice writing. I know I was wondering why she didn't plead guilty. The evidence was pretty clear even in the best light for her. Yet, I do understand why. If she pleads guilty, I bet she gets at least 5 years. Seriously. Manslaughter is the I made a mistake homicide. You usually will get like 5-10 years or even 7-10. Yet, her lawyers likely said go to trial and it will give you a chance to appear sympathetic to the judge. It worked. That is probably why I just avoided turning that part of the tragedy over in my head. It is what this was about but for real, why did they stop the kid in the first place? That's what got lost in her trial really and the aftermath.