Asphyxiation Point District Court House reopened its doors last week just in time to conclude the long trial of Zoe Azariah. Almost a month ago the court and town were stunned when Dr. Leigh Steerpike basically bought the trail to a halt when she took the stand and confirmed that Azariah was not mentally unable to stand trial and to defend herself without consul. The details of which can be found in an article written by Moon Powder on December 8. 2015.
Over the last month, Azariah has been receiving treatment from Steerpike for her mental health and was ordered by Judge Anthony Boscorell to find a lawyer to represent her in all the charges against her. A day prior to the court finishing its construction, District Attorney Madison Monroe informed the press a deal had been reached between Azariah, who is now represented by Eva Perry and the DA’s office. This may come as a surprise especially when the terms of the deal are read but after Azariah was pronounced by the court assigned doctor to be unfit to carry forward it left the DA’s office few options.
The court room was not filled to capacity as during the last trial date but there were still some who seemed disturbed and unsatisfied with the outcome as they felt Azariah was getting off much to easily for these crimes. The details of all charges and crimes can be found in a press release given to the paper on November 30, 2015. Although under protest of her attorney Ms. Perry, Azariah was instructed to take the stand and verbally admit and take blame for all of her crimes. There was very little remorse to be seen from her as she reviewed the crimes and her reasons behind them. Only once did the defendant seem bothered at all during her review of the crimes when she had to admit to killing her former lover, Kenzie Barrett. The details of the plea deal were read aloud in court and have been printed below:
Terms of Plea Deal:
1. Defendant pleas Not guilty by reason of diminished capacity.
2. Defendant admits to the crimes in which she is pleading diminished capacity.
3. Defendant will undergo mandatory psychiatric therapy with a psychiatrist of her choosing. The psychiatric therapy is covered under doctor-patient privilege and can't be used against her. The treating psychiatrist is only required to report to the court house that the defendant is taking part in treatment and when the psychiatrist has released the patient from treatment.
4. Defendant will be required to participate in a work program in the community.
5. Defendant will either pay a $10,000 fine or serve 14 days of community service.
6. If the defendant commits a crime before any of the terms in the deal have been met, will cause the plea deal to become void. (Added by Judge during trial)
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