A Long Road
Walking up the concrete court steps. My eyes glancing up to the large brick building that reads
”Superior Court Maricopa County”
Security standing guard …
Purse and sunglasses placed into the rectangle plastic bin as I walk, hands above my head through the metal detector.
6th floor button illuminated on the elevator.
Court doors open.
My orange heels announcing my presence as they strike the linoleum floor with each step.
Victims family to the left.
Defendants to the right.
I go left.
Have a seat, deep breath.
Judge at the front of the room elevated at his presiding position.
The wood door to the right opens.
One by one.
They file into court in a single file.
Orange jump suits reading “Unsentenced” in black block letters on their back.
(I love seeing them in orange.)
The sound of metal chains clanking together as they walk, short stride, hands bound together in front of them.
I take them in.
Face by face.
The faces I’ve only seen photos and video of until now.
The real human form in front of me.
The faces of the ones that chose to take my nephews life.
Tears fill my eyes.
Reporters.
Attorneys.
Our side.
Their side.
I stare at the faces of counsel on their side, no reciprocal eye contact. I wonder how they can possibly sleep at night knowing the kind of people they defend and try to “get off”?
Do you not have children of your own? Do you not have a soul? Is money that important to you that you would advocate for a killer to be free to walk the streets?
I bring life into this world. I take such pride in my profession. I wake up with purpose each day when I go to work. What can you possibly tell yourself when you open your eyes and rise from your bed to face the day knowing what your job entails?
Up until this point the faces of these monsters and their parents have been characters in a bad movie, I’ve seen and read about online. Today seeing their faces in person, makes it real and solidified this nightmare as our reality.
As of today court dates are set to begin July 21, 2025. A date the other sides lawyers are already arguing is too soon.
It’s going to be a long road, but we will make sure justice is served P, you have an army fighting for you
—Written by Melissa Lord, Preston’s Aunt
