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Chapter 3 - The Camera Behind the Microwave

The video was in full high-definition color, with synchronized ambient audio.

At 8:14 a.m., the recording showed four-year-old Emma walking down the hallway in her yellow sweatshirt. She approached the kitchen table, carrying her pink sippy cup. Finding her usual small wooden stool occupied by Lily’s toy bag, Emma innocently climbed onto the large upholstered dining chair where Lily usually sat.

She reached for a slice of toast on the table and took a small bite.

At 8:16 a.m., Vanessa entered the frame holding the heavy black cast-iron skillet, fresh from the gas burner, scrambled eggs sizzling along the edges.

The microphone captured the audio with horrifying clarity:

Vanessa: “What is that little brat doing in Lily’s chair?!”

Helen (standing at the sink): “Handle her, Vanessa. She needs to know her place before Rachel comes down.”

Emma looked up with big, frightened brown eyes: “Auntie Vanessa, I was hungry...”

Vanessa: “You don’t eat Lily’s breakfast!”

The camera captured Vanessa taking two deliberate steps forward, rearing her right arm back, and violently hurling the eight-pound cast-iron skillet directly into Emma’s face.

The heavy iron struck Emma’s forehead and cheek with a sickening, metallic crash. Hot butter and scorching eggs splattered across the child's skin as Emma was thrown backward onto the hardwood floor, her head striking the baseboard before she went completely limp.

The video recorded Helen walking over, looking down at the unconscious four-year-old, and calmly saying: “Put the pan in the sink, Vanessa. Tell Rachel she pulled it off the counter.”

And Arthur Vance was seen walking into the frame, grabbing paper towels to wipe the orange juice and egg grease off the floor while stepping over his granddaughter's motionless body without checking her pulse.

Denise covered her mouth, tears of pure horror filling her eyes.

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Officer Miller’s jaw was clenched so tight the muscle twitched. He pulled his radio from his tactical vest.

“Dispatch, this is Unit 4. I need two additional marked units and a transport van at 442 Maplewood Drive immediately. We have an active felony warrant for Aggravated Child Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Attempted Murder, and Tampering with Evidence.”

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