Nelson,” he turned to JP, “you are free to go.”
Then he turned to the jury. “Members of the jury, I thank you for the time you have committed to this trial. You are also free to go.” None of the members of the jury, sensing that there was more to come moved. “As to the second motion, the court rejects it.” He turned to the man still sitting quietly in the witness chair. “Hansford, I will not order that you be charged with murder. You have been punished enough, I think, by having lived twenty years with Mary Ann Coulter Nelson. As you know, she was my sister-in-law, and I am aware that everything you said about her was true. I also believe that if Dr. Henderson told you that your cancer will take your life in six months or less, that will be an extra punishment as you wait out the time. You also are free to go.”
Judge Holman rapped his gavel once more. “Court is dismissed,” he proclaimed, and left the courtroom.