Inside the courtroom, the first witness for the prosecution, Dr. Elise Miles was sworn in. She was the attending physician who treated Jossy the night she was brought to the hospital.
"Dr. Miles, can you tell the court what condition the alleged victim was in when she arrived?" the prosecutor asked.
Dr. Miles' voice was calm. "The patient had multiple injuries across her body, face, arms, legs, and torso. She also showed signs of severe stress and trauma. It was clear these injuries were inflicted intentionally. She was in pain and frightened, but conscious enough to describe parts of the incident."
"Did she indicate who caused these injuries?"
"She did," Dr. Miles said. "She named Damien Rothwell. She was very clear, though emotionally shaken. I also administered a full medical evaluation, and nothing suggested these were accidental or self-inflicted injuries."
The prosecutor nodded, then called the next witness, Detective Mendez, who was present when the Special Victims Unit first responded to Jossy's call at the hospital.
"Detective Mendez, what did you find when you investigated the scene and spoke with the victim?"
Mendez spoke with precise clarity. "The victim reported being assaulted repeatedly by her husband, Damien Rothwell, both physically and sexually. She described a pattern of coercive control and threats, which we verified by checking hospital records, witness statements, and photos and videos from previous incidences. There were bruises consistent with her account, and statements from witnesses, including the attending nurses, confirmed the level of trauma she had endured."
The prosecutor continued, "Were there prior indications of abuse?"
"Yes," Mendez replied. "We found evidence from the victim's statements and medical records that she had been isolated from friends and family, prevented from working, and had previously suffered a miscarriage under suspicious circumstances.
The next witness was Hazel, Jossy's close friend.
"Ms. Hazel, can you explain your knowledge of the victim's circumstances?"
She nodded firmly. "I saw signs of abuse from early on in their marriage. She was withdrawn, afraid to leave her apartment, and constantly worried about her husband. She later confided in me about being hit, coerced, and isolated from her family. She also told me she had to write a statement defending him publicly under duress. She was terrified to disobey him, and I know she only reached out to Noah for help because she feared for her safety."
The prosecutor then presented the hospital nurse who had assisted Dr. Miles.
"Nurse Adams, can you describe the victim's condition and emotional state?"
Adams spoke softly but with certainty. "Jossy was frightened, in pain, and extremely anxious. She repeatedly expressed fear that her husband would find her again. She was cooperative during treatment but visibly distressed when asked about her marriage."
In the days that followed, the prosecutor called Noah Lennox to testify.