echoed the first. When Walsh started to call a third wit-
ness, Braswell’s attorney stood up. “We’re willing to
stipulate as to the sequence of events, Your Honor,”
whereupon the State rested.
Macedo, a subcontractor for a drywall service, went
first for the defense. Speaking through the interpreter,
he swore to tell the truth, the whole truth, and noth-
ing but the truth. According to his testimony, he had
been minding his own business when Braswell attacked
him for no good reason. He did not even know who
Braswell was until after they were both arrested.
Under questioning by Braswell’s lawyer, he admit-
ted that he was at the club that night with one Karen
Braswell. Yes, that would be the other defendant’s ex-
wife although he had not known it at the time. Besides,
9
MARGARET MARON
it wasn’t a real date. She worked with his sister at the
Bojangles in Dobbs and the two women had made up
a casual foursome with himself and a friend. He’d had
no clue that she had a husband who was still in the
picture till the man began choking and pounding him.
Macedo’s attorney called the sister, who sat in the first
row behind her brother and strained to hear the transla-
tor, but Braswell’s attorney objected and I sustained.
“Defense rests.”
“Call your first witness,” I told Braswell’s attorney.
“No witnesses, Your Honor.”
“Mr. Braswell,” I said as his attorney nudged him to
stand. “I find you guilty as charged.”
“Your Honor,” said his attorney, “I would ask you
to take into consideration my client’s natural distress at
seeing his wife out with another man while he was still
trying to save their marriage.”
“I thought they were divorced,” I said.
“In his mind they’re still married, Your Honor.”
“Ms. Walsh?”
“Your Honor, I think it’s relevant that you should
know Mr. Braswell was under a restraining order not to
contact Mrs. Braswell or go near her.”
“Is this true?” I asked the man, who was now stand-
ing with his attorney.
He gave a noncommittal shrug and there was a faint
sneer on his lips.
“Was a warrant issued for this violation?”
“Yes, Your Honor, but he made bail. He’s due in
court next week. Judge Parker.”
“What was the bail?”
“Five thousand.”
