The little girl hadn’t spoken since the night her mother was found on the kitchen floor! Then the court dog lowered his head-and she whispered one sentence toward the defense table…

conflict counsel. Graham demanded to speak privately to the judge. Judge Whitcomb denied the request until the State had an opportunity to assess whether any evidence supported the child’s statement.

In the hallway, Ava knelt in front of Lily. She did not touch her.

“I need to ask two things, and then we’re done for now,” Ava said. “Did anybody tell continue reading …