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I too am praying that MH will plead out. I am hoping that her religious upbringing and the support of her family will help her make the right decision here. I do see many similarities between MH and KC and it is worrisome. I hold on to the thought that MH has pleaded before, when she pleaded no contest to the theft charges. So I think there is hope in this case. I think?
Salem
Yes, if Melissa's family has the opportunity, I think they will urge her to settle this without a trial. Perhaps they will succeed. Hopefully, she will not want to bring more shame on her family -- particularly her grandfather.
When Melissa was in court, I saw a deeply conflicted woman. When the word "rape" was uttered, she cringed and seemingly came close to losing it. It was as though the REALITY of the situation flooded over her. Now don't get all upset with me.... I think if she thought she had the glimmer of a chance to "spin" a different story, she would be off and running with new lies and excuses.
I think I recall that she tried to plead mental incapacity for the most recent theft case. She was ordered to be assessed by two court appointed doctors and was found to be competent, but mentally ill.
And I am not saying that she is not mentally ill. She IS. IMO But there seem to be "cracks" that let just a bit of light in. I think she tries to "play the game" as long as she thinks she can get away with it, but when nothing is working, she surrenders (briefly). I think that is why she said, shortly after her arrest, that it was an "accident". I also think that the note and all of her other clues were attempts to end the suspense and bring the search for SC to an end.
Some mentally ill people just finally get tired of trying to weave the web of deception -- especially when they have been "caught". It takes a lot of energy. The only problem is that, if they have a chance to "re-charge", they start to "play the manipulation/lies & excuses/blame game" again, sinking deeper each time into more denial.
Two possible parallel truths... Pathological liar and deeply dishonest and manipulative. And just under the surface, a fragile, fragmented person. This does
not excuse her in any way, shape or form.
Mental illness is complex. I know from firsthand experience with someone I loved. I don't think Melissa is totally Evil -- as some might like to think. Her mental illness may have progressed to the point that she doesn't even know who she is anymore.
Pleading guilty to save herself from the DP and both families further anguish would give her life in prison (separated from her own daughter) and "without the possibility of parole" to come to terms with the consequences of her actions.