After the trial, the police investigator who had handled Daudi's case approached Mary in the hall outside the courtroom. He told her that Daudi had always been courteous and was forthright about what had happened. She could be proud of her son, he said, apparently wanting to affirm that Daudi was not a ruthless criminal, as he had been portrayed in the trial.
After Daudi's conviction, I assisted Mary in being named Daudi's legal guardian, a civil matter I could handle. This enables the prison administrators to speak to her about his health care and, if he is ever released, she can see that he receives treatment.
After being presented a summary of his medical history, the same judge who sentenced Daudi to what probably amounts to a life sentence, without hesitation, signed the order that said Daudi was not competent to manage his own affairs. It was too little, too late.
Daudi is in prison, in an isolation cell because of his mental illness. Now Mary calls the prison regularly so they know someone cares, and visits Daudi as often as possible.
Mary's pain continues. Should it matter to those of us who never experience what she experiences?
Posted on GenuineJustice.com on 9-8-10.
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