Case NOT Closed

Regardless of how the photos were obtained (all taken by Haibara), it didn’t matter.

The court only concerns itself with evidence and whether it’s legal.

Even if you were hit by a truck, took out a camera in mid-air, and snapped a couple of pictures before dying, no one would care, as long as the evidence is legally obtained, it complies with the procedure.

These continuous snapshots, not only direct evidence but also logically sound, are considered ironclad evidence, making it easy to rule in favor of the plaintiff.

The judge nodded, about to strike the gavel.

But at this moment, Kensuke suddenly spoke up again.

“I request the summoning of a witness, as well as additional evidence, because I have some evidence that I want to present in court.”

The judge looked at him strangely and struck the gavel.

“Application granted!”

Soon, a middle-aged obese woman was brought up.

“This is Bingu-san, the neighbor who lives next to Tatsuya Nagai’s apartment,” Kensuke introduced.

“Now, please state your testimony, Bingu-san.”

The obese woman nodded, looking at Tatsuya Nagai with a fearful expression.

“Every night, I hear strange noises coming from the next door, like the sound of sharpening knives, the sound of hammering on the floor, and eerie laughter, all coming from this person’s room.”

Tatsuya Nagai became anxious upon hearing this.

“You’re talking nonsense, I was sleeping at that time!”

Ignoring him, the obese woman continued, “Your Honor, what I’m saying is absolutely true! This person does something strange every night!”

Tatsuya Nagai roared, “I told you, I was sleeping!”

The judge struck the gavel, “Order!”

Once the courtroom quieted down, the judge turned to Kensuke, “Plaintiff’s representative, how is the witness you summoned related to the facts of this case?”

“Of course, there’s a connection!”

Kensuke paused.

Then, he said word by word, “We believe that the defendant is still suspected of premeditating other crimes, such as murder and rape!”

This statement shocked the entire courtroom.

“You’re slandering me, it’s all fabricated!”

Tatsuya Nagai almost jumped up.

Premeditated murder? Premeditated rape?

He did indeed have such plans and even bought the necessary tools.

But he never revealed this plan, and there was never any such thing as sharpening knives at night or the like!

Ignoring Tatsuya Nagai’s protests, Kensuke continued.

“I request to summon new witnesses!”

Soon, several new witnesses were brought to the courtroom.

“This person bought some hardware tools from my store, and I remember he even asked me if the glass cutter was sharp enough. His smile at that time was disgusting and creepy, so I have a vivid impression.”

This was the owner of a hardware store.

“This person once visited my store and bought some lubricant and condoms. His expression at that time seemed like he was about to commit a crime.”

This was the owner of an adult store.

“This person once visited my store and bought some DVDs related to tracking and stalking.”

“This person once visited my store and bought some books related to tracking and stalking.”

These two were from a video store and a bookstore.

As Tatsuya Nagai listened, sweat poured down his forehead.

Some of the testimonies of these witnesses were indeed true, such as those from the hardware store and the adult store.

But the latter two were completely fabricated!

“Here are surveillance footage from the hardware store and the adult store, which can prove that the defendant did visit.”

“In addition, for several consecutive days, the defendant was seen lurking outside the apartment building of our plaintiff. Here are the photos.”

Kensuke took out a USB drive, along with several photos.

The bombardment of evidence left everyone dizzy.

All eyes turned to the defendant of this lawsuit, Tatsuya Nagai.

For a moment, whispers filled the room.

Doubt, suspicion, and various voices emerged one after another.

Tatsuya Nagai was sweating profusely, his mind in turmoil.

At this moment, he finally understood.

The other party came prepared!

These pieces of evidence, wherever they are true or false, were deliberately fabricated to accuse him. Besides seeking civil compensation, they also wanted to bring him to criminal prosecution and make him go to jail!

“Objection!”

His defense lawyer, Norifumi Saku, stood up hastily.

“The facts presented by the plaintiff are irrelevant to this lawsuit and should be filed separately!”

The judge glanced at him and struck the gavel, “Objection overruled! Please continue presenting the evidence, plaintiff!”

Norifumi Saku could only sit back down dejectedly.

Generally, in such a situation, the judge would not allow the plaintiff to continue because strictly speaking, these are two separate cases, one civil and one criminal. According to the procedure, a separate criminal case should be filed, and only the prosecutor’s office can prosecute criminal cases.

However, this judge— or rather, she should be called.

She was a female judge.

Legally, she wouldn’t favor either party, but emotionally, she might lean towards the same-sex party.

Especially in a case like this, involving premeditated rape and murder.

The power to interpret the law always lies with the judge, leaving the defendant with no recourse.

So, Kensuke continued.

He presented the final and most crucial piece of evidence.

“This is a photo taken outside the apartment building of our plaintiff, Nishitani Miho-san.”

The photo showed a partially open blue and white sports bag placed discreetly near the edge of the soil close to the bushes.

From the partially open mouth of the bag, one could vaguely see some tools.

Tools like glass drills, screwdrivers, items suitable for breaking in.

“Because this is important evidence, we haven’t touched this package. We can have personnel from the prosecutor’s office extract the evidence later.”

Kensuke took a deep breath, then spoke forcefully.

“Combined with the testimony of witnesses, which is logically consistent, we have sufficient reason to suspect that this is the defendant’s tool for committing the crime! He has enough suspicion to be charged with premeditated murder and premeditated rape!”

At this moment, the courtroom erupted in commotion.

No one had expected that a simple civil lawsuit would evolve into a criminal case!

Tatsuya Nagai, sitting in the defendant’s seat, was sweating profusely, his face changing rapidly.

Suddenly, he stood up and, as if fleeing, desperately ran towards the exit.

The judicial police on both sides acted decisively, and in the blink of an eye, one of them grabbed him.

“Let go of me! I haven’t done anything illegal, you can’t arrest me!”

Tatsuya Nagai struggled desperately, shouting as he struggled.

But his strength was no match for the well-trained police, and he was firmly pinned to the table, unable to move.

Haibara Ai, sitting in the audience, watched the scene unfold.

Her expression remained calm as usual, but there was a hint of puzzlement in her eyes.

In fact, before coming here, there was one thing she didn’t understand.

If it was a civil lawsuit, the two facts presented at the beginning, along with the two sets of photos she took, were enough for the lawsuit to win. Strictly speaking, these photos weren’t considered forged evidence, just fabricated evidence, and they didn’t exceed the boundaries of the law.

So, why did Kensuke insist on fabricating more evidence, fabricating motives, and even inducing some witnesses to make improper statements—like the fat woman next door, and the owners of the video and bookstores—these were all false testimonies he induced.

The client’s demands were merely for a civil lawsuit.

Strictly speaking, getting the other party into jail wasn’t within the client’s demands.

Why did Kensuke go through all this “unnecessary” work, creating so much “unnecessary” evidence, insisting on turning this into a criminal case?

Haibara didn’t quite understand, she was a bit puzzled.

She could only go to Kensuke herself later and ask.