The People v. Jonathan Ludarac (Abridged)

WITNESS #7

[PROSECUTION WITNESS #7—Kayla Ludarac]

J: For Kayla Ludarac’s testimony, I would like to remind the jury that she is sixteen-years-old and therefore, a minor. Despite that fact, it is my ruling that the jury should hear her statements.

[PROSECUTION EXAMINATION]

James: Ms. Ludarac, could you please roll up your sleeves for the court?

Harker: Objection. Is that really necessary?

J: No, I don’t believe it is. The objection is sustained

James: Can you please describe for the court the marks on your body?

Harker: Objection, equally unnecessary. Ms. James has photos at her disposal Your Honor, and the jury has already seen them.

J: Overruled.                               

James: Please, Kayla.

Ludarac: I’m covered in scars.

James: And what caused those scars?

Ludarac: I don’t know.

James: Were you cut, Kayla?

Ludarac: I don’t know.

James: So you just got scars all over your body without being cut?

Ludarac: No.

James: So you were cut?

Ludarac: Yes.

James: And these cuts, is there any organization as to how they are arranged?

Ludarac: [EXPLETIVE DELETED] you.

J: Ms. Ludarac, I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that for now, but I will remind you that this is a court of law, and you will treat these proceedings with due respect. Another outburst like that, and I’ll find you in contempt of court regardless of your situation. Now, answer the question. Was there any organization to the cuts on your body?

Ludarac: Yes, the cuts were writing.

James: And what did they spell?

Ludarac: The Ludaracs will burn in hell.

James: Did you make the cuts yourself, Kayla?

Ludarac: No.

James: Then who cut you?

Ludarac: I don’t know.

James: You had well over a thousand cuts on your body. You mean to tell us that you have no idea how they got there?

Ludarac: Yes.

James: Do you expect us to believe you?

Harker: Objection.

James: Withdrawn. Kayla, do you love your father?

Ludarac: Yes.

James: So if he were in trouble, you would try to help him?

Ludarac: Yeah, I guess.

James: Are you helping your father now by withholding information?

Harker: Objection.

Ludarac: No.

Harker: Objection, Your Honor.

J: Overruled. The witness’s answer stands.

James: Does your father get angry, Kayla?

Ludarac: Everyone gets angry.

James: Does he get angry at you?