GUILTY MI - Charlie Bothuell, 12, Detroit, 16 June 2014

[CarolinaMoon]

Thanks BDE for the posts. I am super-crazy-busy and out of town a lot lately. I've got the next hearing on my calendar. I hope little Charlie can stand up to the defense lawyers. They are really out to get him. IMHO, I have to wonder what Big Charlie is willing to let his son go through to prove that he is lying. What a parent!

 

[BetteDavisEyes]

I saw about half of young Charlie's testimony yesterday and thought he sounded confident, credible, and much more mature than I expected him to be after all that he endured while living with his father and stepmother.

The Channel 4 (WDIV) reporter who commented on the testimony indicated that "Charlie Bothuell IV and Monique Dillard-Bothuell showed no emotion as they listened to young Charlie testify". I don't know where the male reporter was seated, but this is simply not true! Both the elder Mr. Bothuell and his wife had tears in their eyes at times as they heard young Charlie speak about the abuse they imposed on the boy. Charlie V's accounts of the harsh treatment obviously stirred emotions in both adults who were responsible.

I also noticed that throughout his testimony, young Charlie never referred to Charlie Bothuell IV as "my dad or my father", nor did he ever refer to Ms. Dillard-Bothuell as his "stepmother". He spoke of them by their proper names, Charlie Bothuell IV and Monique Dillard-Bothuell.

I commend young Charlie for his bravery in testifying against these two savage individuals. Shame on them for continuing to abuse and torture this young man by insisting on a jury trial in an attempt to save their own hides. :stormingmad:

 

[cocomod]

These two really are are shameful BetteDavisEyes!!! They should just admit their wrongdoings and take their punishment. At least they did show emotion though. Jerice didn't even flinch during her trial. She has NO conscience.

I do want to see a bit of his testimony. I'll look tonight. He is brave and I am SO glad he was saved from this situation!!

 

[CarolinaMoon]

I happened on Nancy Grace last night and she spent a great deal of time on Little Charlie's case. She showed some video of him testifying. His voice was very mature for a 13-year old and I was impressed with the calmness of his voice. This was not reflected in his hands. He was constantly twisting his fingers and clutching them together.

Two lawyers for the defense was on. One was Smith, the other was a gentleman named Hadad. I guess Dillard stayed in the background? Has anyone else hear of Hadad? Both of them accused Charlie of being a liar. They also pointed out that Charlie was in perfect health when checked at the hospital. He wasn't bleeding! Hello??? I'm sure one reason he went missing for those 11 days was to ensure that his wounds had all healed. The lawyers never mentioned the scars found.

Also interesting that for his curriculum, the former father used two books from an elementary school. One was a science book, the other an English book. What a broad-based curriculum. Charlie had a lot of catching up to do when he returned to school.

 

[heartgoesout]

It is extremely difficult to listen to evidence that a child was beaten. These poor children. Hurt by the hands that are supposed to protect them.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Here's the link for today's hearing. I will be in and out... blood work, plumber, cable guy, handyman all this morning!

And gee, I'd cleared the decks to be around for this hearing

http://www.clickondetroit.com/news/...-boy-found-in-basement-after-11-days/32834476

 

[CarolinaMoon]

The Bothuells just came into the courtroom and the action should begin soon. I hope Charlie V is up for this today. My heart is with him.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

And off on another case!

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Charlie goes through his "workout" routine.

The first time he ran away, he lied to the police about the reason because he didn't think it would change anything. He'd still have to live with his dad.

He understands he has to tell the truth now.

June 14th, 2014. Charlie doesn't remember the date. He's hard to understand.

He states he was found 11 days after he was missing.

He stopped doing his elliptical reps to go upstairs. He went down to finish his reps. He doesn't remember what step-mom said to him.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Charlie is having trouble remembering exactly what happened next.

(Plumber fixed the dishwasher leak, now waiting for man to test for moisture and cable man. Handyman is scraping the front door. DH gone for minor medical procedure.)

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Monique called dad and said she couldn't find Charlie. (missed a bit)

The first night, he stayed in the same area of the basement. It was uncomfortable. He was afraid of Monique because his word didn't really matter over hers.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

His memory is foggy. He recalls State Police in the basement.

He didn't talk to them.

He was hoping they would move things around and find him. He was afraid to speak because of what happened.

He was there 11 days.

Peed in washer drain.

He saw Monique. Sometimes she would bring him something to eat (dry cereal, protein shakes) or told him to be quiet.

He did go upstairs when nobody was home. He'd get himself something to eat. He took what would not be too noticeable if it was gone.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

She gave him the laptop. He could only listen to music on it.

He never left the house. Hard getting in that he didn't leave through the tunnel. Objections left and right.

He didn't know the code to the door.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

He was afraid nobody would believe him.

He got himself a blanket from upstairs one day.

Had no internet access.

Didn't go to friend's house b/c he had no friends and was scared.

Goldfarb complains about 3 lawyers objecting; judge compliments her on her ability to deal with it!

He was scared that nobody would believe him b/c he'd still get into trouble when he told the truth.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Asking about day he came out of the basement.

People moved boxes around.

He couldn't see the people moving the boxes.

He was behind the barrel when told to stand up.

He didn't say anything.

Officer walked him upstairs.

(Can't hear much)

 

[CarolinaMoon]

He went upstairs to change his clothes.

He was in the house for about 20 minutes. Laura? asked him questions. He doesn't remember specific questions. She asked him how long he was in the basement and what day it was.

Chief of Police talked to him. Got in car to go to hospital. 4-5 people walked him out to the car. (FBI?) Went to McDonald's and then the hospital.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Charlie says he was happy and elated to be around people who believed him.

Bench conference when Goldfarb goes to introduce materials she wants to show Charlie.

5 minute break.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

They come back from the break and go to lunch. Cross to come next. See you all at 1:00.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Just got back...

Dillard comparing Monique's routine and Charlies.

Up at 5:15: Wash dishes, have protein shake.

Charlie was overweight and he wanted to lose weight. Now for the question!

7:30 finishes workout, showers and dresses

12:00 lunch (there was food in the house), do dishes and another 1 hour workout

He did schoolwork also in the morning. He worked on the computer and from two books he had from school. He did the same in the afternoon.

Monique wasn't there, she was at therapy? Charlie: yes
Monique wasn't there n the morning either, she was at therapy: yes

Father reviewed his homework.

Going over topics he studied. Not sure about writing, history, or geography assignments.

Monique came home and made dinner.

 

[CarolinaMoon]

Discussion of the first time he ran away. He wanted to go home to his mother.

Mr. Dillard asks a bunch of nasty statements. Good Ms. Goldfarb objects like crazy and is usually sustained.

Charlie says he understands why he got the "whoppin'" for running away and lying to the police.

Dillard refers to the time he used toilet paper to set fire in his bedroom. He shows the outlets that were set on fire.

Charlie says he doesn't remember setting the outlets on fire. Pictures are to impeach Charlie.