2:17:01
By my mother.
2:17:04
As hard a blow as Selena Cross'
stepfather gave her?
2:17:08
- No.
- How could you tell?
2:17:09
- I don't think so.
- You don't really know...
2:17:12
...what happened in that house.
- Yes, I do know.
2:17:14
First you talk about a beating...
2:17:17
...and then we find out all you're
discussing is a single blow.
2:17:21
Would you say the arguments
in the Cross household...
2:17:24
...were more or less violent
than any other family's?
2:17:27
- Objection.
- What's the purpose of that question?
2:17:30
The witness must define her terms,
if the jury is to clearly understand her.
2:17:35
A beating becomes one blow.
2:17:37
A blow becomes a slap. Perhaps the slap
will become something else.
2:17:41
Objection overruled.
2:17:47
No further questions.
2:17:49
No questions, Your Honor.
2:17:51
You may step down.
2:17:56
The prosecution calls
Mrs. Constance MacKenzie to the stand.
2:18:14
Raise your hand. Do you swear to tell
the truth, whole truth, so help you God?
2:18:18
- I do.
- Be seated.
2:18:20
State your name, please.
2:18:22
Constance MacKenzie.
2:18:26
Mrs. MacKenzie, I understand you've
known the defendant a long time.
2:18:31
Yes, since she was a baby.
2:18:34
Did Selena ever complain that her
stepfather had beaten her at any time?
2:18:40
What?
2:18:41
- Did Selena ever complain...?
- No.
2:18:44
Did you ever see any marks on her?
Injuries?
2:18:47
No.
2:18:49
You knew the defendant's mother well,
did you not?
2:18:52
Nellie worked for me as a housemaid.
2:18:55
Did she ever mention Lucas' brutality,
or describe any beating he administered?