Are You Crazy? He’s only an Intern Lawyer?
Chapter 511 - 507 Unfavorable situation! Calculating against one’s own people?

Chapter 511: Chapter 507 Unfavorable situation! Calculating against one’s own people?

Monday, the day of the trial.

a.m., Dongfang Capital City Court.

Criminal court, defense preparation room.

Zhang Wei, Mo Yuzhu, and Yang Chunyuan, the three of them, were there adjusting their state.

"We have 30 minutes left before the trial starts, let’s go over yesterday’s issues!"

Zhang Wei glanced at the time and spread out the files from his briefcase.

As he spoke, he looked at the client, Yang Chunyuan.

"Forensic Yang, although it may be inappropriate for me to ask this, I still need to ask you to be honest, did you submit two DNA comparison records for the case involving Mr. Li 20 years ago, and what was the content of the first record that you covered up?"

This question was originally supposed to be asked by Mo Yuzhu yesterday, but Classmate Mo was too tired and went straight to sleep when she got back.

I’m not sure if she asked.

Yang Chunyuan glanced at Mo Yuzhu, let out a helpless sigh, and said, "I don’t quite remember, as this case is already 20 years old; I only remember finding a strand of *hair in the victim’s throat and then submitting a new report!"

This answer did not surprise Zhang Wei.

He looked at Yang Chunyuan a few times, and this number one forensic scientist of Dongfang didn’t seem to be really lying.

It appeared that she genuinely couldn’t recall the details from back then.

Zhang Wei took a deep breath, exchanged a glance with Mo Yuzhu, and admitted,

"Forensic Yang, I want to tell you that, according to the latest DNA comparison results, the DNA from that strand of *hair definitely does not match Mr. Li’s DNA!"

"How could this be?"

Yang Chunyuan couldn’t believe it, because although she didn’t quite remember the details from 20 years ago, there was one thing she was sure of.

That was the DNA test report that was critical in convicting Mr. Li!

She worked on that report all night by herself, running many tests, and the DNA on the *hair was a perfect match with Mr. Li’s.

The investigative branch also arrested Mr. Li and charged him based on that report.

Zhang Wei saw the disbelief on Yang Chunyuan’s face and immediately took out the DNA comparison report from the files and handed it to her.

She took it and started examining it right away.

After a few minutes, Yang Chunyuan’s complexion started to look a bit bad.

Mo Yuzhu, who was next to her, also leaned in for a look and her expression turned similarly uneasy.

It seemed that both the forensic scientist and her daughter had interpreted the information written in the report.

"How could this be?"

Yang Chunyuan put down the report, her face still somewhat in disbelief.

She opened the report again and took another look.

At some critical information such as comparison values and DNA sequences, she looked several times over.

However, no matter how she looked at it, from left to right, horizontally or vertically, the information recorded in the DNA comparison report showed that it did not match Mr. Li’s DNA.

"Was this done in our office?"

"Yes, it was done by your assistant, with someone from the Procuratorate’s Office supervising, and the sample was the original hair!"

Yang Chunyuan’s face changed slightly, then with some unease, she said, "Did you conduct all the tests regarding the hair, including the graphical report and the cross-comparison report?"

"Forensic Yang, I’m not a professional forensic pathologist, but I suspect that even if these reports were done, the DNA comparison results would still not match!"

Zhang Wei could tell that this was just Yang Chunyuan’s last bit of stubbornness.

She still couldn’t accept the truth.

In fact, Zhang Wei also found it somewhat hard to accept, but his mindset was a lot better than hers.

Even if the DNA comparison results didn’t match, it wouldn’t affect his job.

"I’m just speculating now, is there a possibility that someone replaced or altered the evidence after you submitted the report?"

Zhang Wei voiced a possible conjecture.

"That shouldn’t be possible. After I collected the evidence, I sealed it. Apart from the people in our office, no one else could touch the evidence."

"Moreover, at that time Mr. Li had already been convicted. Would he really wait 20 years quietly and only now amend the evidence from back then?"

Yang Chunyuan found it hard to believe that someone could wait 20 years in prison before finally making a move. Is that even possible?

"Lawyer Zhang, does this mean that the situation is very bad now?"

Yang Chunyuan’s face started to look a bit troubled.

She could see that the situation was unfavorable for their side.

"Forensic Yang, the current situation does indeed seem grim, because you once submitted two test reports within less than four hours, the prosecution will surely capitalize on this matter and claim there is a risk of evidence tampering on your part."

"And the new DNA comparison report also has issues, which serves as the basis for the prosecution’s case against you."

When Zhang Wei said this, his brows were furrowed tightly, "If these two pieces of evidence are fully presented, then the charges formed against you in court would be extremely unfavorable, and the jury will definitely find your actions guilty!"

Hearing this, Yang Chunyuan frowned, while Mo Yuzhu’s face was full of concern.

"Defense, please prepare to enter the courtroom!"

Just as the atmosphere in the preparation room was turning sour, a reminder from the court guard came from outside the door.

The time for the court session was approaching.

"Forensic Yang, let’s go. Even if the situation is not in our favor, we still have to face the courtroom!"

Zhang Wei said, as he began gathering the documents.

"I still can’t believe it. I couldn’t have possibly made a mistake; someone must have tampered with the evidence!"

"Forensic Yang, I understand your feelings. In fact, I have also wondered more than once, but tampering with evidence is somewhat difficult."

Zhang Wei consoled her, and together with Mo Yuzhu, they escorted Yang Chunyuan, who still hadn’t recovered her composure, into the courtroom.

Inside the criminal court.

The prosecution had already taken their places.

The representative of the original plaintiff, Mr. Li, and his attorney, Black, had already arrived and were seated on the prosecution’s side.

Zheng Fenyong had taken his seat even earlier and was still going through files as if to grasp every minute and second before the court session started.

In the front row of the spectator seats were a group of people from the Procuratorate Headquarters, and naturally, they were there to cheer and support Zheng Fenyong.

The duo of Old Zhao and Old Guo were sitting at the forefront of the group, but all of them were wearing stern faces, their arms crossed, giving off a vibe that they were just there to listen.

As the three of the defense team walked into the scene, they saw a new figure in the middle of the spectator seats.

"Dad is here."

Mo Yuzhu pointed at the figure and whispered to Yang Chunyuan.

"Humph, what use is it that he came!"

Yang Chunyuan snorted coldly and did not even glance at the figure.

Mo Juren felt helpless. He had just been about to greet his wife and daughter, but was met with a cold reception instead.

If he had known it would be like this, it would have been better not to come at all.

Zhang Wei and the other two on the defense team took their seats.

The atmosphere in the courtroom began to tense up.

"All rise!"

Under the proclamation of the court guard, Judge Liu entered, draped in a judicial robe that was evidently ironed over the weekend and wiped so clean that it was spotless.

Even, to handle today’s major case, Judge Liu had specifically styled his hair into a sleek back.

It appeared that he took the case very seriously, otherwise he wouldn’t have bothered with such styling.

Seeing this, a smirk formed on Zhang Wei’s lips.

A judge caring about his appearance for a case, this was the first time he had seen such a thing.

"Cough cough, this court now announces the opening of the first hearing of the public prosecution case brought by the General Procuratorate against the defendant Yang Chunyuan for tampering with evidence and submitting false testimony,"

"Prosecution, please prepare to begin your opening statement!"

As Judge Liu banged the gavel, Zheng Fenyong was naturally already prepared.

"22 years ago, a series of horrifying murders occurred in Dongfang Capital, where the killer targeted young women, attacking at night, and after abducting and restraining the victims..."

Zheng Fenyong’s opening statement recounted the serial murders that had occurred in Dongfang Capital, a case that was not unfamiliar to many.

But considering that the jurors were from a neighboring city, Zheng Fenyong decided it was necessary to educate them on that year’s case.

"This case caused panic among the people of Dongfang Capital at the time, and the investigative unit also felt immense pressure. So much so that many working women were afraid to walk the night roads after getting off work!"

"Under such intense pressure, a DNA analysis report helped the investigative unit to identify the suspect, Mr. Li, the plaintiff in this case,"

Zheng Fenyong pointed to Mr. Li, who was sitting next to Black on the prosecution’s bench.

The latter was calm and composed, showing no reaction to the story whatsoever.

Zheng Fenyong was not surprised by Mr. Li’s demeanor.

He continued, "Of course, I wasn’t directly involved in the case and am not very clear about the investigative progress, but I am sure that it was that report, that crucial DNA comparison, that played a decisive role."

"After that, the rest of the story is probably what everyone can anticipate,"

Zheng Fenyong said as he raised his hand, pointing to the defense bench, "Relying on this DNA report, the investigation division locked down a suspect, Mr. Li, and apprehended him."

"Also relying on this report, the defendant Yang Chunyuan gained immense attention, and subsequently, within a short span of 10 years, rose to become Dongfang Capital’s top forensic expert, even owning her forensic office—an achievement of both fame and fortune!"

"But..."

He raised a finger, emphasizing, "Is this story really as you all imagine it to be?"

"As the story’s heroine, can she truly soar to great heights and enjoy a smooth sailing career, all based on a single case?"

As these words were spoken, many in the jury showed expressions of doubt.

This was also the downside to Zhang Wei’s selection of the jury.

The jury he selected was made up of many conspiracists, those who dabble in conspiracy theories.

They would suspect the prosecution’s motives after finding flaws in their actions.

But similarly, in this story, they would also suspect the defense, suspect Yang Chunyuan.

Under such grand "temptation," under the clear and within-reach allure of fame and fortune, would she risk it all, betraying her last line of defense?

If it were an ordinary person, perhaps this question alone would arise.

But if it were conspiracists, they would choose to believe such a possibility exists and its likelihood is high.

If they put themselves in the same position, they would realize.

Perhaps for fame and fortune, they might commit such an act.

So, hearing the implied meaning in Zheng Fenyong’s words, more than half of the 12 jurors developed varying degrees of suspicion towards the defense.

"As expected of a senior prosecutor from the General Procuratorate, you’ve turned the jury I selected to your advantage!"

Zhang Wei instantly saw through Zheng Fenyong’s intent, and had to admit that his opponent indeed had some skills.

And after saying so much, Zheng Fenyong finally began to call witnesses.

"We call the first witness, Captain Liu from the major crime squad, to testify!"

Zhang Wei was no stranger to this witness; he had crossed paths with Old Liu from the major crime unit 3 many times before.

Old Liu, being the most experienced investigator with the highest seniority as a group leader within the major crime squad, can be said to be the most seasoned member currently.

Moreover, he was also one of the participants in the serial killing case 22 years ago.

"Chief Liu, 22 years ago, you also participated in the investigation of that year’s serial kidnapping and murder cases with the major crime squad, didn’t you?"

"Yes, our chief at the time was Captain Miao, who led the three groups of the major crime squad together in the investigation. I was with the group leader, coordinating with his actions!"

Chief Liu said, and with a sigh of remorse, added, "Unfortunately, Captain Miao sacrificed himself in a drug raid 8 years ago, which was a major loss for our investigation division!"

"Hmm, I too deeply regret the loss of Captain Miao."

Zheng Fenyong said, lowering his head in silence for a moment.

"However, Chief Liu, regarding the details of the case, there are still some questions I must ask."

"Go ahead and ask."

As a direct participant in the case, Chief Liu expressed that he would undoubtedly answer.

"At the time, there were up to 8 missing persons, undoubtedly the most sensational case in Dongfang Capital City that year. May I ask, how long did your investigation division investigate this case?"

"About half a year. We went from initially having one team in charge to later allocating more personnel, virtually employing all members from the three teams for operations. It can be said that we mobilized the full force of our investigation division!"

"May I ask, after discovering the bodies, how did you handle them?"

"We tried to preserve the scene as much as possible, allowing forensic personnel to gather evidence on-site, to keep as much of the crime traces as we could."

While speaking, Chief Liu looked towards the jury and those in the audience seats, explaining, "After discovering a body, non-professionals should avoid touching it as much as possible, as this is the best protective measure for the scene."

"You mean, at the first instance of discovering the body, the on-site investigators would conduct an examination on the body?"

"Of course, performing an autopsy on the body immediately is the basic procedure of an investigation. This is done to ensure gathering some evidence at the earliest opportunity. After all, who could guarantee that during the process of moving the body, some evidence wouldn’t disappear from it."

"Then, did the forensic personnel find any effective evidence during the first autopsy of the female victim?"

"No," Chief Liu nodded with certainty.

If they had found evidence, they would have caught the criminal long ago.

It was precisely because the murderer left no evidence at the scene after killing the victims that their investigation division was completely helpless.

"Not a single clue or trace was found?"

"No,"

Although Chief Liu felt helpless, they really hadn’t found any evidence at that time.

"Around what time after that did you transfer the deceased to the forensic office?"

"Roughly after the on-site evidence collection had finished, about four hours after the body was discovered."

"So, you’re saying that during those four hours, not a single clue was found by the elite teams of nearly three groups from the investigation department?"

"Yes."

Upon saying this, Zheng Fenyong showed a trace of curiosity, "Dozens of elite team members from three groups didn’t find any clues, yet the defendant, Yang Chunyuan, did?"

Surprise, confusion, doubt!

The jury, led by these words, grew even more suspicious of Yang Chunyuan.

"Lawyer Zhang, it seems like they are looking at me kind of funny, aren’t they?"

Yang Chunyuan also noticed the problem and immediately sought advice from Zhang Wei.

"Stay calm, Forensic Yang, this kind of thing is common."

Zhang Wei reassured her with an unruffled expression: "The jury is like a reed in the wind, they lean whichever way it blows!"

"I hope so..."

Yang Chunyuan looked at the jury, whose gazes held a hint of hostility, and for the first time began to doubt herself.

In her more than twenty years of work, she had never needed to face so many living, breathing people.

"Chief Liu, you found a total of eight victims, right?"

"Yes, the crimes were committed over two years, with each incident spaced more than three months apart, which is why we didn’t initially link this case to a serial killer."

Chief Liu spoke with a hint of helplessness, acknowledging the oversight in their work at the time.

If they could have combined the various missing persons and kidnapping cases from the beginning and devoted more resources to the investigation, perhaps there wouldn’t have been eight victims, maybe there would have been fewer.

"Which victim did the defendant, Yang Chunyuan, find the critical clue on?"

"It was found on the eighth victim, Dong Juan!"

Chief Liu had a vivid memory of the case, even directly naming the eighth female victim.

"Oh, so the eighth victim was Miss Dong Juan, correct?"

Zheng Fenyong nodded, then expressed his surprise, "The previous seven victims left no clues, so why did the murderer suddenly make such a low-level mistake on the eighth one?"

As soon as these words were spoken, many expressed their doubt.

Indeed!

The murderer committed a crime every three months, and each time the investigation department failed to find any slip-ups, returning from the previous seven investigations empty-handed.

Such an experienced criminal, with adept methods of killing, could really make a fatal mistake on the eighth time, providing evidence substantial enough for conviction? Isn’t that a bit too coincidental?

"I speculate that the murderer, from the previous seven crimes, must have accumulated enough experience and couldn’t possibly make such a fatal mistake on the eighth crime, right?"

"I don’t know how to answer you, but I’d like to say that even the most experienced criminal masterminds can’t pull off a perfect crime one hundred percent of the time," said Chief Liu after glancing at Yang Chunyuan.

"So, you’re saying that Chief Liu is supportive of Forensic Yang’s discovery of the evidence?"

"Yes, after all, didn’t we catch the suspect?"

Chief Liu said this while looking towards Mr. Li at the prosecutor’s bench.

As an experienced investigator, he could tell at a glance that Mr. Li was the murderer.

"Chief Liu, may I ask, how long have you worked with Forensic Yang?"

"We have worked on many cases together; I can’t recall exactly how many, but I want to say that Forensic Yang is an outstanding forensic expert, and we have collaborated for over 20 years!"

"A 20-year-old comrade, then it seems normal for you to speak on her behalf, right?"

The jury, upon hearing Zheng Fenyong’s words, once again fell into speculation.

Could it be that this witness from the investigation department is also giving false testimony?

That would be a serious accusation.

Even a mere suspicion put Chief Liu in an awkward position.

"This move again?"

Zhang Wei looked at Zheng Fenyong and muttered under his breath, impressed.

He hadn’t expected that the prosecutor would even manipulate someone like Chief Liu, "one of their own"!

This was really shameless!