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In the criminal justice system,
sexually-based offenses
are considered especially heinous.
In New York City,
the dedicated detectives who investigate
these vicious felonies are members
of an elite squad known
as The Special Victims Unit.
These are their stories.
Obey me, or die.
Obey me, or die.
He put his hand over my mouth.
I woke up and
he was standing over me.
Did you see his face?
No, he was wearing a ski mask.
Was he tall, short?
Tall and strong.
What about a scent?
Any aftershave or cologne?
Thought I smelled baby powder.
Did he say anything to you, Janice?
"Obey me or die.
"
- Third attack this month.
- So far.
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I'm very careful.
I always lock the door.
He picked the lock.
He knew that you were alone.
Are you saying he's stalking me?
We think so.
He attacked the other
two women the same way.
We need to figure out
what you all have in common.
Can you walk me through
your daily routine?
I don't have one.
I'm a hotel developer.
I spend most of my time on the road.
Okay, when you're in town,
is there a gym that you go to?
Um, sports mania.
Mid-town.
I don't go to a gym.
I have a personal trainer.
I'm the firm's only bankruptcy lawyer,
I don't have time to work out.
- You belong to a church?
- No.
Do you volunteer anywhere?
I wish I had time.
Have you applied for a credit
card or a mortgage recently? / No.
Did you fill out any forms
with personal information?
Like, at a doctor's office?
No.
But I did fill out a questionnaire.
For what?
Speed dating.
Speed dating.
Speed dating.
Invented by a rabbi to match
his students with Jewish mates.
One of my people's many
contributions to the world.
Second only to bagels.
How does it work?
You meet ten women for three
minutes each, first names only.
You write down the ones you like.
If the feeling is mutual,
the organizer emails you both.
You sure know a lot about it.
Well, I went through
a little dating slump.
Called adulthood.
Find any women worth dating?
You'd be surprised.
They have events for all types.
Under 30, over 50.
Straight, gay, professional
Which allows our perp to zero in
on successful women
in their 30s.
Just like our victims.
Well, all three went to speed dating
events hosted by speed encounters.
But none of them
went out with the same guy.
We got their names.
Ted Kaye, David Clark, Peter Lowe.
I don't think our perp was a date.
Why not?
Speed encounters' organizer
used to be a shrink.
Lost his license two years ago.
For what?
Sleeping with his patients.
SPEED ENCOUNTERS
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19
It's not what you think.
You had sex with women
you came to you for therapy.
What do you call that?
Exploring new treatments?
With your compass pointing north.
Look, I learned my lesson, okay?
I lost my practice.
And found an endless supply
of rich, single women.
I didn't *** anyone.
Well, the only link between
those women is you, Jack.
Well, how do you know
it wasn't someone they met here?
They all dated different men.
Maybe not.
A lot of guys don't use their
real name for speed dating.
Well, can you find out
if a guy used three different
names to date those women?
I can if he used
the same email address.
Ted Kaye, David Clark and Peter Lowe.
And what do you know?
We get romeo@4umail.
com
That's a free service.
Untraceable.
- So then I'm off the hook?
- No.
Let us know if Romeo
R.
S.
V.
Ps to any other events.
Okay, Ted, David,
and Peter's our Romeo.
So what else do you
remember about the date?
He paid for everything.
He opened the door for me.
He actually listened to what I said.
Sounds like a nice guy.
But you all turned him down
for a second date.
Why?
He insisted on ordering for me.
- He was a control freak.
- Me too.
Even though I told him
I hated sushi.
So how did he take that?
He said he knew I'd like it
if I tried it.
Different names, the same guy.
And they're all the same kind of woman.
Smart, powerful, accomplished.
But when they won't go out
with him a second time,
he becomes enraged.
These rapes are about revenge.
He's a narcissist.
He's trying to repair his wounded ego.
What's your profile?
He's detail oriented.
Precise.
He takes pride in his work.
He plans every attack like a mission.
Ex-military?
He could be, he's
disciplined and organized.
And meticulous.
He hasn't left DNA,
fingerprints or a single fiber.
Just the scent of baby powder.
He's perfected his technique.
I doubt that any of these women
were his first victims.
What he's really aroused by
is the total control, not the killing.
The guy from speed encounters called.
Romeo just signed up
for tonight's event.
He's looking for a new Juliet.
NICK'S MARTINI
BAR & LOUNGE
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 19
I love cats.
I'm a dog person.
It was like I was
outside my body watching.
- You know what I mean?
- Yeah.
I felt the same way
when I was abducted.
Ten second warning, folks.
Wrap it up.
Collecting pez dispensers
sounds like a very interesting hobby.
And time's up, folks.
Gentlemen, please move
one seat to your left.
Okay, thank you.
- Hi.
- Hi.
I'm Jim.
Rachel.
Rachel.
Well, you are the most beautiful
woman in the room.
Thank you.
You don't waste any time, do you?
Just being honest.
I can't believe that you
need help finding a date.
I'm in advertising.
And, uh, the only men that I meet
are either colleagues, or clients,
and I don't like to mix
business with pleasure.
Ah, well, I'm on Wall street.
So my business will not
interfere with our pleasure.
Any word?
Not yet.
Well, maybe you're not his type.
Oh, no, he was interested.
I could feel it, you know?
Yeah.
Think he's our perp?
I couldn't get a read on him.
Normally, I need two minutes
in the box with a guy,
then I know if he's guilty but
Email?
I've got a match.
Romeo?
He wants to buy Rachel a drink.
I can't remember the last time
I met a woman who had
brains, beauty,
and a successful career.
Wow, it's nice to meet a man
who appreciates all three.
- I do.
- Thank you.
Ah, that's better.
Would you like another drink?
Um, sure, I'll have another
glass of cabernet.
No, no, she doesn't want that.
She'll have a *** martini,
dirty with extra olives.
Oh, I don't drink ***.
I think I'll stick with the wine, thanks.
Trust me, you'll love it.
Would you get the lady
her *** martini, please?
Thank you.
So how many times
have you tried speed dating?
- You are my first.
- Wow.
What about you?
I just got back on the market.
- Long term relationship?
- A year.
But I knew two months into it
that she wasn't for me.
Too clingy.
Insecure.
Well, you kept seeing her.
Had to be something you liked.
She was a good cook.
She kept the apartment spotless.
But we didn't have any
common interests.
You're looking for an equal.
Exactly.
I need a woman who knows what
she wants, and how to get it.
What are you thinking right now?
I'm thinking that it's late.
And I've got a long day tomorrow.
Rachel, please stay.
Thanks for the drink.
Good night.
What's going on?
We're arresting you for ***.
- Three counts.
- What?
I didn't *** anyone.
I'm a surgeon.
I save lives every day.
Big man in the OR.
My skills are well respected.
Like in bed?
I hear you get turned down a lot.
You got me mixed up
with somebody else.
- Yeah, with Ted, David, Peter.
- And Jim.
Rachel?
It's detective Benson.
This is Mike Jergens.
He's a surgeon.
Why'd you lie?
A lot of women hear doctor,
and they see dollar signs.
I was just protecting myself.
Then why'd you follow me home?
I just wanted to apologize to you.
You wanted to know where she lived,
so you can go back and *** her.
You got the wrong guy.
You meet a girl, you date her,
then you act like a control freak.
She turns you down,
you stalk her,
and you sneak back later to *** her.
Guys like you are compulsive.
You follow the same script every time.
Just like you ***
Janice Clay Tuesday night.
You are crazy.
I'm crazy?
Don't say another word.
Minerva Grahame Bishop.
I represent Dr.
Jergens.
Come on.
They won't bite.
Who's this?
This is my girlfriend.
- Cora Kennison.
- Your girlfriend?
Thought you were single?
No, Mike and I have
been living together for a year.
Tell the detectives what you told me.
It's all right, darling.
Tell them.
Tell them where I was Tuesday night.
We were home.
All night? Mike never left?
No, he was right next to me in bed.
Mike spent half our date
bad-mouthing Cora.
He doesn't love her,
he just needs an alibi.
Which will hold up without any
physical evidence against him.
No evidence?
All three victims ID'd him.
Yeah, as a man they dated.
Not as their masked ***.
Mike went out with three women.
All three women were attacked.
That's a clear pattern
admissible in court.
Yeah, but it's still circumstantial.
It's not enough to convict.
You should've waited for him
to attack Olivia.
The women were ***
weeks after they dated Mike.
We couldn't wait.
And I can't indict.
Cut him loose.
- He's gonna do it again.
- Then break his alibi.
I'll take a run at Cora.
I did date her boyfriend.
Mike's at the hospital.
Well actually, I came to see you.
He said not to let
the police inside.
Well, we could go
someplace else to talk.
- No, I better not.
- Cora, wait, just
There's something
that you need to know.
Mike said that you'd
try to trick me.
Did he also say
that we went on a date?
You're lying.
Another detective took photos.
Well, there must be some explanation.
There's a coffee shop
around the corner.
How did you and Mike meet?
My last boyfriend beat me up.
I went to the ER.
Mike took care of me.
- When did you two start dating?
- Last year.
A guy like that
I couldn't believe
he was interested in me.
Does he ever ask you to, you know,
do things in the bedroom
that you don't wanna do?
There's nothing
I wouldn't do for Mike.
I love him.
He loves me.
Then why does he date other women?
I'm not as smart as Mike.
I didn't go to college.
Sometimes he just needs
other people to talk to.
But he always comes home.
That's what matters.
Cora, Mike told me things about you.
Like what?
But I knew two months into it,
that she wasn't for me.
Too clingy.
Insecure.
But you kept seeing her.
You had to like something.
She was a good cook.
She kept the apartment spotless.
We didn't have any common interests.
You take really good care of him.
And he's making you
cover up the truth.
Cora
did he ask you to lie for him?
Yeah.
Was he home on Tuesday night?
I'm gonna be sick.
Did Mike take anything with him
when he left the house that night?
His gym bag.
Thought he was gonna work out.
We're gonna need to find
that bag, Cora.
I need your permission
to search the apartment.
Look, I know Mike's a good man.
Cora
he *** three women.
I don't believe you.
If Mike is innocent,
then he's got nothing to hide.
So give us your consent
to search the apartment.
Well, well, well.
Latex gloves.
Surgical tools.
Pair of magnifying glasses.
I could pick any lock
with that stuff.
And here's our baby powder.
Mike's a doctor, he knows it'll
stop him from sweating, leaving DNA.
He's a smart cat.
Why's he out raping?
He's got money, good looks,
a woman waiting on him
when he gets home.
Attacking women's his way
of venting anger.
What the hell are you doing here?
Arresting you again.
You have the right to remain silent.
Anything you say can and will
be used against you in a court of law.
You sure you don't wanna
wait for a ride?
No, I'm fine by myself.
Cora, my cell phone
number's on the back.
I want you to call me
if you need anything.
Mike / Sweetheart, I told you
not to talk to them.
I'm so sorry.
Cora.
/ It's not your fault,
honey, not your fault.
Don't worry about it, okay?
We're gonna be together soon.
- Don't bet on that.
- Found his goodie-bag.
Lock picks and baby powder.
- I don't understand.
- Cora
Honey, I love you, okay?
Remember that.
I can explain everything.
Cora, don't listen to him.
CHAMBERS OF
JUDGE ELIZABETH DONNELLY
MONDAY, OCTOBER 24
What is the basis
of your motion, Minerva?
Cora had no right
to consent to a search,
since it isn't her apartment.
Precedent's clear.
A live-in girlfriend, a roommate can consent
to a search of a common areas,
and that's where we found the bag.
Except she doesn't live there.
This is the lease to Cora's apartment.
That's her legal residence.
This is where she gets her mail,
and is registered to vote
and pays her taxes.
She is merely an overnight
guest at my client's,
and therefore has no standing
to authorize a search.
Were your detectives
aware of this, Casey?
Absolutely not.
I don't need to play fast and loose.
And regardless of Ms.
Bishop's motion,
the evidence should be allowed.
Under what theory?
Inevitable discovery.
The defendant is our prime suspect.
We had grounds for a warrant.
We would have found it anyway.
Found what?
My client is a doctor.
Those were surgical instruments
in that gym bag, not lock picks.
Mike Jergens is too smart to risk arrest
carrying around burglar's tools,
so he used a legal alternative.
The victims all describe a ski mask.
Where is it?
Not recovered, but
we did Find baby powder.
My client is a surgeon.
He scrubs his hands constantly.
Baby powder is used to soothe the skin.
You can't take this seriously.
I take the Constitution seriously.
The search is out.
Your honor, the gym bag is the people's
only evidence against my client.
I move for a dismissal
of the *** charges.
I'll leave that to the grand jury.
You have 72 hours to get an indictment,
or Dr.
Jergens walks.
- What now?
- We start over with fresh evidence.
So I got new warrants for Jergens' house,
hospital locker, and car.
Find that ski mask.
This guy is no dummy.
That mask is long gone.
Yeah, so prove that he bought one.
Check his Financials for purchases.
Oh, Olivia, see, I'm gonna
need your help with Cora.
She's gotta testify.
Oh, I don't think she can handle it.
She already feels guilty
about turning Mike in.
We need Cora.
You gotta convince her to do it.
When? / Tomorrow.
She's my first witness in the grand jury.
I'll break the news.
Cora?
Cora? Detective Benson.
Cora?
Cora?
Cora?
Cora, wake up.
Wake up.
SVU portable to central.
I've got a woman who's unconscious.
I need a bus.
Cora? Cora, wake up.
Wake up.
Cora's blood alcohol was .
35.
She's lucky she didn't die.
- Will she be all right?
- For the time being.
But her hematocrit showed macrocytosis,
and impaired liver function.
The signs of chronic alcohol abuse.
How could somebody so young
have done so much damage?
Binge drinking.
You're seeing it more and
more in young people.
They don't drink every day,
but then they'll down five or six
cocktails in an hour.
So your diagnosis is alcohol poisoning?
Yes, but that's not her only problem.
I found scarring on her knuckles,
damage to her tooth enamel.
She's bulimic.
Yeah, I'd say for quite some time.
Look, she should be in rehab.
Can you admit her?
I can keep her overnight
to adjust her electrolytes.
But we just don't have the long-term
treatment program she needs.
How you feeling?
Okay, I guess.
The doctor says that
you're pretty sick.
I don't drink all the time.
I never blacked out before.
I was just so upset about Mike.
I understand.
But
if you don't stop drinking,
and bingeing and puking,
you could die.
You can't hide it anymore, Cora.
Mike knew about my problems.
He was trying to help me.
Now I got no one.
If I get you into a program,
will you go?
Yes.
Cora.
Thank god you're all right.
Mom, what are you doing here?
The hospital called, so I've
come to take you home.
Actually, Cora's just agreed
to go to rehab.
I'm sorry, who are you?
I'm detective Benson,
special victims unit.
- What did Mike do to you?
- Nothing.
Then why are the police here?
Mrs.
Kennison, Mike Jergens
*** three women.
Cora has to testify against him.
Oh, that man is poison.
Cora, he is why you're drinking.
Now I don't want you
seeing him again.
We'll go back to Wilmington tonight.
Actually, Cora can't leave.
She's going to be a witness
in the grand jury tomorrow.
Good morning.
Novak call yet?
Ten minutes ago, grand jury indicted
Mike for all three rapes.
Oh, good.
Well, don't look so happy.
I'm worried about Cora.
She had a rough time
facing the grand jury.
And she still has to testify
against Mike at trial.
She's really fragile.
Well, that's why you
got her into rehab.
Oh, no, the mother
won't let her go.
Virginia says that she can take
care of Cora all by herself.
Love never cured an alcoholic.
- Mrs.
Kennison?
- She's gone.
Cora? / We were at Penn station
waiting for the trains,
and she just disappeared.
This is all my fault.
I should never had
let her out of my sight.
Calm down.
What happened?
She went to the bathroom.
And she was in there a long time.
I thought she might be throwing up,
and I went in.
She's gone.
Do you have any idea
where she could be?
- To see Mike.
- She's probably at Rikers.
Let's go.
/ All she could talk about
was saying good-bye.
Mike Jergens is on a visit right now.
- With Cora Kennison?
- Don't know.
- What, is he seeing a priest?
- Guess so.
Cora.
- We're married.
- You son of a ***.
Please, you're in god's house.
Yeah, I bet you proposed when you
saw Cora's name on the witness list.
This isn't gonna stop her
from testifying at your trial.
Yes, it is.
You can't make me,
I'm his wife now.
There's no spousal privilege here.
These rapes were committed
before this wedding.
That's not the reason I married her.
Right, officer, take him
back to his cell.
- I'll come visit you tomorrow.
- Okay.
I love you, Cora, okay?
Nothing can change that.
Cora, your mother's very
worried about you.
- Mike needs me.
- What about rehab?
- My husband will help me.
- He's never helped you before.
He only lets you drink
so he can control you.
He loves me.
That's why he married me.
Cora, he married you to shut you up.
Don't you know that he's using you?
You are the one that's using me.
Pretending to be my friend
so that you can frame him.
Mike swore to me.
He never *** anyone.
Mike's Fingerprints
were on his *** kit.
Well, you planted them.
It was found in his gym bag.
- You told us where to look.
- Stop it.
He left your bed
to *** three women.
/ Shut up!
Cora, listen to me.
I know that you know
in your heart that he's guilty.
I don't want him to be.
I know how hard this is to face.
You have to testify.
You want me to send
my husband to prison?
I want you to tell the truth.
TRIAL PART 29
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7
In your initial statement to the police,
you said that Mike was home with you
on the nights of the three rapes.
Yes.
- Is that true?
- No.
Why did you lie?
Because Mike told me to.
Do you know where he went?
No.
He didn't tell me,
I didn't ask.
Thank you.
Cora, you married Mike Jergens
after he was accused of *** assault.
Yes.
I love him.
Do you believe your
husband is a ***?
I don't know.
- Was he ever violent with you?
- No.
In fact, he saved you
from an abusive relationship.
/ Yes.
- Did he ever *** you?
- No, Mike would never hurt me.
Cora, why are you here today?
They told me that I have to testify.
And by they you mean,
detective Benson and ADA Novak?
Yes, they said I don't
have a choice.
And they said that Mike
*** those women.
But you don't believe that.
You love him.
You married him.
- You think he's innocent.
- Yes.
/ Objection.
Why are you doing this to the man
you love? / Objection, your honor,
- she's leading the witness.
- Sustained.
Would you like to take
a break, Ms.
Kennison? / Please.
We're in recess until tomorrow.
I'm sorry.
It's okay, sweetheart.
I love you, okay?
Hello?
Cora?
Hold on.
When did Mike call you?
What did he say?
Cora, Cora, how much have
you had to drink?
Okay, Cora, calm down.
I'm on my way.
Elliot, it's me.
Send a bus over to Cora's.
And call Rikers and have
Mike Jergens put on suicide watch.
Thanks.
Hey!
How drunk is she?
- I did CPR until EMS got here.
- CPR?
What the hell happened?
Hey, what's going on?
Her sats are dropping.
Respiratory arrest.
I just talked to her.
We need to intubate.
She's bradying down.
We're losing her.
Tube's in.
We got a pulse.
- Sats are rising.
- Let's go!
Cora's heart is still beating,
but her brain was deprived
of oxygen too long.
Will she recover?
No.
Her EEG shows signs
of irreversible brain injury.
But she's awake,
her eyes are still moving.
That's only a brain stem reflex.
She can't see us.
She doesn't follow commands
or respond to pain.
How did this happen?
She probably had four or five drinks.
But Cora's system was weakened
by her bulimia.
It doubled the impact of the alcohol.
Okay, well, when will she get better?
Mrs.
Kennison, Cora's
not going to get better.
Is there anything
that you can do for her?
We'll continue to provide
supportive care
and keep her comfortable.
In other words, not a damn thing!
I'm sorry, Mrs.
Kennison.
She drank because you
made her testify.
/ No.
She drank because
Mike called her from Rikers,
and told her that he
was gonna kill himself.
And he's not dead, is he?
You can't protect her.
I'm taking my daughter home.
I don't think that's advisable.
I don't care what you think!
It's my decision.
Cora's going home.
Virginia Kennison won't
accept the diagnosis.
She wants to keep Cora's body alive
even though her mind is dead.
Cora and her mom haven't been
close for a long time.
- Virginia's gotta be feeling guilty.
- She's not the only one.
I pushed her to testify.
And I subpoenaed her.
How's this gonna affect the trial?
Well, it won't.
Cora Finished her testimony,
so the defense can't
ask for a mistrial.
Too bad the corrections officers got
to Mike before he could off himself,
and he wouldn't have
to finish the trial.
- I'll still convict the ***.
- Casey!
The office has been
trying to Find you.
I had my phone off in court.
Judge Donnelly wants you
in chambers now.
This can't be good.
CHAMBERS OF
JUDGE ELIZABETH DONNELLY
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8
What's your business, counselor?
My client is seeking a court order
to have the feeding tube removed.
He has no right to remove
Cora's feeding tube.
He has every right.
Cora Jergens is his wife.
The wedding was a sham.
He only married Cora
to keep her from testifying.
She chose to marry my client,
whereas you forced her to testify.
You couldn't shut her up at trial,
so you shut her up forever?
This is retaliation, your honor.
- This is an act of love.
- Hold on.
Dr.
Jergens, I'd like to know why
you made this decision.
I've spoken with my wife's
neurosurgeon.
Cora is in a chronic, vegetative state.
She has no cortical
activity or EEG.
She'll never recover.
I can't let her suffer.
Don't let him do this.
The law is clear.
I don't have a choice, Casey.
What about Cora's mother?
She wants to continue life support.
I'm sure this will be very difficult
for Mrs.
Kennison to accept,
but she has no standing.
As Cora's husband, Michael Jergens
is the next of kin.
So a *** has more rights
than her mother.
In this case, yes.
This judge is giving Mike
exactly what he wants.
Ultimate control.
He's the wrong person
making the right decision.
You think Cora should
be taken off life support?
Cora's never getting better.
She deserves to die with dignity.
Mrs.
Kennison wants
to keep Cora alive.
She has been her mother for 30 years.
I think that counts more
than a quickie marriage.
None of this matters.
It's not up to us to decide
when life ends.
So Cora should suffer.
All right, disconnect her.
Who's next?
Are we gonna decide the quadriplegic's
lives aren't worth living?
What about the severely retarded?
We kill them too?
No one's suggesting
we *** the disabled.
The Nazis didn't call it *** either.
I have to follow the law.
But I would feel a lot better about it
if I knew what Cora would want.
Okay, who would know that
better than her own mother?
No, she's trying to communicate.
She's fighting for her life.
And did she ever tell you what she'd want
if something like this happened?
No, we never talked about it.
But I know my daughter.
And she's not a quitter.
Her father got sick
when she was eight.
They gave him six months to live.
She went to the hospital every day.
And she'd sit by the bed,
and she'd say, "daddy, don't give up.
"
He lived for two years.
He said Cora gave him
the strength to hang on.
And you are sure she'd
wanna live like this?
I know she'd want to fight.
But how do I stop Mike?
You could file an appeal
of judge Donnelly's ruling.
A lot of good it'll do.
I mean the law's not on my side.
And the judge, she won't listen to me.
There are other ways
to make people listen.
What the hell were you thinking?
Cora's mom went to the papers.
How is that my fault?
You gave her the baloney,
and she made the sandwich.
Says so on page three.
You told her to shout
her story from the rooftops.
She's frustrated and she's voiceless.
And the law can't help her.
Which is the reason you have no business
involving yourself in this mess.
We speak for the victims.
And you taught me that.
Crime victims.
Nobody's committing a crime here.
Mike Jergens did.
So should a *** who's been
her husband for a week
get to pull the plug on Cora?
She married him.
He conned her, he doesn't know
what Cora really wants.
And you do?
Her mother does.
Based on what?
Letters, diaries, a memorable
conversation? A living will?
Based on the mother knowing her child.
That's not enough.
There's a difference
between law and justice.
Casey, I agree.
But this is not your fight.
Casey, turn on New York one.
Protect the disabled.
Looks like there's
no stopping mama now.
This *** is trying to kill Cora.
Do not let him do it.
Please, I know my daughter.
I know she wants to live.
Help me fight back.
This is legalized ***.
Please.
Help me send a message to the judge
to protect the disabled.
Don't let a tragedy turn into a circus.
Convince Mrs.
Kennison that the case
oughta be tried in a court of law,
not in a court of public opinion.
Lawyers from around the country
are calling to take Cora's case.
Thank you for telling me
to fight back.
I didn't mean for you
to go on the national news.
This should be a family decision.
Not a public free-for-all.
Well, this has nothing to do
with me or Cora.
People are angry.
They don't want the government
deciding who lives and who dies.
What's he doing here?
Judge Donnelly authorized this visit.
I don't care, I don't want him
anywhere near my daughter.
Mrs.
Kennison, I know you
don't believe that I love Cora, but I do.
And I know she would not wanna live
like this.
/ You know nothing.
I lived with her every day
for the last year,
- you never called her once.
- Because you pulled us apart.
I have always loved my daughter.
Why didn't you tell me
he'd be here?
My client doesn't need your
permission to visit his wife.
- Is that the consent form?
- It's an injunction.
The court has granted Mrs.
Kennison
an emergency hearing
to determine Cora's wishes.
TRIAL PART 29
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10
I promised Cora I would never
let her live like this.
And did you have a discussion
about end of life issues?
Yes.
Would you please tell the court
about that conversation?
One night last summer, we were
driving back from the beach.
There was a terrible accident
right in front of us.
A drunk driver ran a stop sign,
and T-*** a young couple
in a convertible.
I told Cora to call 911,
and I ran over to help.
How bad was it?
The man was dead.
And his girlfriend had
severe head trauma.
She was unresponsive.
All I could do was clear her
airway so she could breathe.
I was covered in blood,
and then I heard Cora crying.
And did Cora say anything?
She asked me if the girl
was gonna make it.
And I said that if she did,
that she would be a vegetable.
And how did Cora take that?
She said, Mike, promise me you
will never let me live like that.
That's a lie.
Cora never said that.
- Mrs.
Kennison
- You ***!
- Order!
- Don't believe him!
Sit down, Mrs.
Kennison.
No! I won't let him kill my baby!
Clear the court.
We're in recess.
What are you doing?
After reviewing all
the medical testimony,
I am convinced that Cora's
condition is irreversible.
Her mind is gone.
And medicine cannot cure her.
Only an act of god, a true miracle,
could recreate her brain.
Both Mrs.
Kennison and Dr.
Jergens believe
they know what Cora would've wanted.
But while Mrs.
Kennison's belief
is based on a mother's instinct,
Dr.
Jergens testimony provided
compelling evidence
that Cora's desire is not to live
in a persistent, vegetative state.
Therefore, I am lifting the injunction.
Dr.
Jergens may remove
Cora's feeding tube.
She went peacefully.
Just like she wanted.
Thank you for letting Virginia
hold her daughter's hand.
I know how much
it meant to her.
You're welcome.
Now there's something
you can do for me.
Like what?
Expedite the death certificate.
The life insurance company's
gonna need that
before they can process my claim.
I should've known.
- How much you gonna get?
- $1.
5 million.
I added Cora to my policy
right after we got married.
You were never gonna kill yourself.
But you knew that Cora
wouldn't live without you.
That's a terrible thing to say
to a grieving husband.
Get him the hell out of here!
Come see me tomorrow.
We need to get started
on my appeal.
Is there anything else
I need to sign?
No, but I do have the results
of the autopsy.
Oh, tell me.
I found widespread cell death
in Cora's cerebral cortex.
The damage to her brain
was irreversible.
So there was never
any hope.
/ No.
There's something else
you should know.
We found a newspaper article about
the car accident that Cora witnessed.
Was Mike telling the truth?
Cora told a reporter that what
happened to that young girl was a tragedy.
She said she'd never
wanna live like that.
Thank you.