BASEBALL-STAR BRUTAL ATTACKS ON HS GIRLS WALKS FREE "SKETCHY AS HELL!"

Summary

---

Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode Title: Baseball-Star Brutal Attacks on HS Girls Walks Free "Sketchy as Hell!"
Date: November 12, 2025
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts and CrimeOnline
Host: Nancy Grace

---

Episode Overview

This explosive episode dives into the deeply disturbing case of Jesse Butler, an 18-year-old high school baseball star from Stillwater, Oklahoma, who brutally assaulted at least two high school girls. Despite facing a possible 78-year sentence for a litany of violent offenses—including rape, attempted murder by strangulation, and aggravated assault—Butler ultimately received only counseling, community service, and a curfew after pleading "no contest" (nolo contendere). Nancy Grace, with guests including legal and forensic experts, investigative journalists, and advocates for assault survivors, dissects the case, the legal maneuvers, the influence of Butler’s prominent family, and the devastating consequences for the victims. Outrage is palpable as they interrogate how the criminal justice system failed so profoundly.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Case and Plea Deal Breakdown

• Jesse Butler: Star high school baseball player with deep family ties to Oklahoma State University athletics.
• Crimes: Multiple, bloody assaults and sexual attacks on two high school girls, with corroborating medical and video evidence.
• Plea Outcome: Given "youthful offender" status, allowed nolo contendere plea (functionally a conviction, but not a technical admission of guilt), and received counseling, community service, and probation, walking free without jail time.
• Outrage: This outcome drew sharp condemnation and protests in Stillwater, with calls for the resignation of both the presiding Judge Susan Worthington and District Attorney Laura Thomas.

Nancy Grace:

"A high school baseball star brutally, brutally attacks multiple high school girls, leaving them bleeding. And he walks free with counseling. ... He gets counseling and community service. I call that sketchy as hell." ([03:55])

2. Legal Analysis: Nolo Contendere and Systemic Failures

• Nolo Contendere: Grace and guest attorney Randy Kessler debate the legal nuance—though it avoids a direct admission, the consequences are functionally the same as a guilty plea ([05:10-06:37]).
• Juvenile vs. Adult Trial: The group discusses how, by law, rape is a “seven deadly sin” allowing (and typically requiring) 17-year-olds to be tried as adults. Still, Butler was shielded as a juvenile.
• Victim Impact Ignored: Arguments that a relationship between victim and assailant somehow mitigates the crime are demolished; evidence, including video of violence and unconsciousness, is overwhelming.

Randy Kessler:

"There has to be some loophole or some technicality, some deficiency in their case, because...there is never a lock on a case, ever." ([08:53])

Nancy Grace:

"The law is that there in most jurisdiction are seven deadly sins for which a juvenile will have a bind over hearing and most likely get treated as an adult. ... Rape is a seven deadly." ([11:20])

3. The Evidence: Medical, Psychological, and Forensic Testimony

• Victims suffered profound physical injuries—including unconsciousness, throat surgery, facial drooping, genital bleeding, and brain injury ([14:03] [15:41] [17:27]).
• Ample forensic evidence: Video of one assault showing the victim being strangled and losing control of bodily functions.
• Expert testimony on lasting trauma and risk: Strangulation increases risk of future homicide exponentially ([29:57] Dr. Cheryl Ehret).

Forensic Nurse Rachel Countryman:

"The symptoms are, you know, quite astounding ... The body is not getting oxygen, the tissues in the body are not getting oxygen. And she is very close to losing her life." ([17:27])

Dr. Cheryl Ehret:

"Strangulation puts the victim at risk of 750% more likely to be murdered by the person who strangled her during an attack." ([29:57])

4. Family Influence and Community Outrage

• Butler's father served as Cowboys football director at Oklahoma State for 16 years; his mother and sister also work in athletics administration—fueling accusations of favoritism ([07:12] [19:11] [20:17]).
• Both victims and the wider Stillwater community protest the sentence, seeing it as a “sweetheart deal” bought through influence and power, not merit.
• The episode plays audio from protestors and community leaders demanding accountability ([18:33] [19:49]).

Rep. J.J. Humphrey (KFOR):

"If that don't set you on fire, your wood's wet ... That looks like favoritism all day long for me." ([18:33])

5. Patterns of Leniency and Judicial Record

• Judge Susan Worthington’s Record: Known for past leniency in sex crime cases (e.g., suspending most of a 10-year sentence for a teacher convicted of sex crimes; after early release, he reoffended) ([49:30]).
• District Attorney Laura Thomas: Under fire for repeated low-sentencing deals.
• Comparisons: Nancy draws parallels to infamous failures in the justice system (e.g., O.J. Simpson, Casey Anthony, Sean Combs/Brother Love verdicts) showing that systemic breakdowns allow offenders to go free even with strong evidence.

6. Victim Voices

• The episode features chilling, direct statements from the victims, detailing the lifelong emotional and physical scars, and the crushing sense of impunity for attackers ([54:06] [47:09]):

Victim LS:

"I will never forget the night you strangled me unconscious because I said no. ... A medical professional later told me that I was just 30 seconds away from dying." ([47:09])

Victim Statement:

"I've had to carry this weight while going to school, trying to act like I'm okay. ... You didn't just strangle me with your hands. You strangle my voice, my joy, my ability to feel safe in my own body." ([54:06])

7. Repercussions, Next Steps, and Calls for Justice

• No real recourse: Once a plea deal is struck and accepted by a judge, there is almost no way to reverse it unless corruption or extreme irregularity is proven; all focus remains on preventing recurrences ([52:25] [55:38]).
• Conditions of release: Butler must follow a strict plan until age 19 (weekly counseling, community service, curfew, no social media), but the pain for the victims and community will last much longer.

Nancy Grace:

"Two high school girls brutally attacked. And the attacker enters a nolo, which is a conviction, and walks free with counseling ... In the meantime, judge, get off the bench. And same to you, district attorney. You're not worth the salt that goes in my bread. Begone." ([54:31] [55:48])

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• On the Plea Deal:
  "He pled guilty. It's not that girlfriend accuses. It's way past that. He has pled and been sentenced, right?" — Nancy Grace [04:13]
• Defense Perspective:
  "He can say for the rest of his life he did not contest the facts. ... There is a difference. But in the eyes of the law..." — Randy Kessler [05:59]
• About Judicial Influence:
  "Typically with their son...they get really influential people like mayors and the heads of football programs at colleges to write on behalf of the defendant. ... It makes it worse." — Nancy Grace [20:42]
• On Physical Evidence:
  "We have video evidence. Typically, it's he said, she said. This is not ... The state has the video of the girl unconscious, being strangled, and then sex assaulted." — Shannon Henry & Nancy Grace [13:48] - [14:03]
• Victim’s Words (LS):
  "I will never forget the night you strangled me unconscious because I said no. That moment changed my life ... If you had kept your hands on my neck just a little longer, I wouldn't be standing here today." — LS [47:09]
• Nancy's Closing Rebuke:
  "Judge, get off the bench. And same to you, district attorney. You're not worth the salt that goes in my bread. Begone. I don't want to see anything but tail hole and elbows out of ye while you run out of town." — Nancy Grace [55:48]

---

Timestamps: Important Segments

• [03:55] – Main case intro: brutality and plea outcome
• [04:54] – Nolo contendere legal explanation
• [07:12] – Details on Butler family's influence
• [13:48] – Medical experts: impact and evidence
• [17:27] – Forensic nurse explains near-fatal strangulation
• [18:33] – Community outrage; protests and calls for resignations
• [23:10] – Defense attorney weighs in on systemic failures
• [29:57] – Dr. Cheryl Ehret: risk of reoffending and lack of remorse
• [32:21-35:54] – Victims' detailed accounts of assaults
• [49:30] – Judge’s prior leniency enabling later sex crimes
• [54:06] – Victims share lifelong consequences
• [54:51] – What happens next/conditions of plea deal
• [55:48] – Nancy’s final call to action

---

Tone & Takeaways

Nancy Grace's signature unvarnished tone—passionate, indignant, bombastic—pervades the episode. Her outrage is backed by methodical questioning of factual and legal details. The guests’ voices—ranging from legal experts to victim advocates to forensic professionals—underscore the real, lifelong damage of sexual violence and the disastrous impact that favoritism and neglect in the justice system can have on survivor outcomes and public trust.

Listeners come away with a clear sense of how privilege and connections can subvert justice, and how survivors of violence are too often left to bear their pain while perpetrators go free. The episode closes with a direct appeal to overturn the plea, remove the judge and DA, and support survivors—leaving listeners roused to demand justice.

---

If you have information related to this case, contact Stillwater Police at 405-372-4171. If you or someone you know is an assault victim, seek support at 800-656-4673.

Transcript

[Nancy Grace]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Randy Kessler]

Mint is still $15 a month for.

[Nancy Grace]

Premium wireless and if you haven't made the switch yet, here are 15 reasons why you should 1. It's $15 a month 2. Seriously, it's $15 a month 3. No big contracts. 4. I use it.

[Paige Taylor]

5. My mom uses it.

[Nancy Grace]

Are you playing me off? That's what's happening, right?

[Randy Kessler]

Okay, give it a [e-mail] switch upfront.

[Commercial Announcer]

Payment $45 for three month plan $15 per month equivalent required new customer offer first three plan options available taxes and fees extra cementmobile.com time for a sofa Upgrade Introducing Anabe sofas where designer style meets budget friendly prices Every anibe sofa is modular allowing you to rearrange your space effortlessly. Perfect for both small and large spaces, Anabe is the only machine washable sofa inside and out. Say goodbye to stains and messes with liquid and stain resistant fabrics that make cleaning easy. Liquids simply slide right off. Designed for custom comfort, our high resilience foam lets you choose between a sink in feel or a support supportive memory foam blend. Plus our pet friendly stain resistant fabrics ensure your sofa stays beautiful for years. Don't compromise quality for price. Visit washablesofas.com to upgrade your living space. Today sofas start at just $699 with no risk returns and a 30 day money back guarantee. Get early access to Black Friday now. The biggest sale of the year can save you up to 60% off plus free shipping and free returns. Shop now at washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Shannon Henry]

A doubly board certified OB gyn, an.

[Commercial Announcer]

Endocrinologist doctor, a naturopathic and licensed acupuncture doctor and a certified health coach walk into a room. What do they talk about? GLP1 of course, but more specifically the difference between the synthetic version of your body's own hormone that are prescribed by doctors nationwide versus metabolism ignite product, which naturally increases your body's GLP1 by 55%. GLP1 slows digestion leading to bloating and discomfort versus metabolism ignite which supports your digestion and gut health. GLP1 side side effects can lead to nausea, fatigue and muscle loss, whereas Metabolism Ignite is powered by plants and there are no side effects. Some long term results of GLP1 links to weight gain after stopping the synthetic.

[Shannon Henry]

Drug which has been proven in multiple studies.

[Commercial Announcer]

In comparison to Metabolism Ignite, there is no weight regain and this product supports metabolic health. The prognosis these three medical practitioners all agree upon. Visit veracityselfcare.com and receive 15% off your first purchase with promo code iHeartrading.

[Nancy Grace]

With diabetes, everyday decisions feel like a mystery without a solution. But with Dexcom G7, the most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see your glucose in real time on your phone, helping you make confident decisions that keep your glucose levels in range and lower your A1C, which can help protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today for healthier tomorrows. Start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge dexcom data on file. For full prescribing information on risks, benefits and compatible smart devices, visit Dexcom.com crime stories with Nancy Grace. A high school baseball star brutally, brutally attacks multiple high school girls, leaving them bleeding. And he walks free with counseling. He was looking at 78 years behind bars over seven decades. And he gets counseling and community service. I call that sketchy as hell. I'm Nancy Grace. This is CRIME stories. I want to thank you for being with us.

[Paige Taylor]

Jesse Butler, a promising baseball star from Oklahoma with a supportive family, faces a grim future after his girlfriend accuses him of the unthinkable.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, right there. I don't like that. I don't like that. Because it says his girlfriend accused. Bs, technical legal term. It's not his girlfriend accused. To Paige Taylor, joining us, investigative reporter, Fox 25 news page. Let me correct that he pled. He pled guilty. Of course, the judge let him do a nolo. A nolo contender. I don't say you're right or you're wrong, but that's the equivalent of a guilty plea. A nolo. He pled guilty. It's not that girlfriend accuses. It's way past that. He has pled and been sentenced, right?

[Shannon Henry]

Yes, he has. And he did initially plead not guilty. And then he was offered this plea deal by the DA to his, his attorney and that is when he pled no contest. And then he was given youthful offender status.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay. To Randy Kessler joining us, veteran trial lawyer out of Atlanta, Emory law school professor, former chair of the American Bar association family law section, author of Divorce Protect Yourself, your kids and your future. I could go on and on and on about Kessler, but let me just say, when I would see Kessler coming down the hall at the courthouse at me with a file in his hand, I would say, no, don't even start. And somehow he would talk all the prosecutors into sweetheart deals. Kessler, just take off your defense hat for one moment, just one Moment. Isn't it true that a Nolo. Nolo contendre, I do not contest in the law, in the eyes of the law is a guilty plea.

[Randy Kessler]

Okay, but it's not exactly guilty plea, Nancy, or else you wouldn't have a difference. You wouldn't have the option of a Nolan contender. He can say for the rest of his life he did not contest the facts. That's a better statement for his future than to say, I pled guilty. There's a reason we allow them to do that. There is a difference. But in the eyes of the law.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, Randy Kessler, the eyes of the law. You're right. What? Just try to spit it out.

[Randy Kessler]

You always win, Nancy. And you know you're going to win this one because it's a. It's a rhetorical question. Yes, nolo contendre has the same consequences, but he still can say to future employers, family, friends, he pled nolo contendre.

[Nancy Grace]

Look at him. Baseball star. How much did his father's involvement in baseball and his own affect the judge's decision? Isn't it true, Paige Taylor, that he and his family are deeply tied to still and Oklahoma State University? The father, Mac Butler, was the Cowboys football director for 16 years. Isn't that true? 16 years, the Cowboys football director.

[Shannon Henry]

Yes, that is correct.

[Nancy Grace]

So now we've managed to remember Kessler. I'm just a J.D. i'm not a DDS, a dentist. I don't know how to pull teeth, but I can get a set of pliers and try if I have to. So, Kessler, could you ever imagine, ever imagine a cold day in hell that I would allow two young girl high school sex assault victims sit there and let me. And hear me agree to a plea where this guy, after multiple attacks, bloody, bloody sex attacks. Let that sink in. Let them hear me accept a plea where he gets no jail time and he gets counseling and walks free on a no low. Over my cold, dead body.

[Randy Kessler]

Kessler, not in a million years would you have allowed that. He would have been lucky to get away with 87 years in jail if you were the prosecutor.

[Nancy Grace]

I mean, Kessler, think about it. Think about your own children. And I know in closing arguments, we prosecutors and defense lawyers as well, are not allowed to ask the jury to put themselves in the shoes of the victim or the defendant. Right, but we're not. Look around. We're not in court. You have children. If your child came home and said, he sex attacked me, I was bleeding, I begged him to stop. And he said, no, you don't think these Parents shouldn't be laying on the courthouse step screaming.

[Randy Kessler]

You know, there'd be a different trial, right? I'd be the one on trial in that case, right? Nancy, we all know what would happen if that was a situation, but we don't know all the facts. And there's got to be some reason. I'm just searching my brain for why would they have allowed this kind of plea deal? Why would they let him stay as a juvenile unless they didn't think they had an absolute rock solid case that would guarantee a victory. There has to be some loophole or some technicality, some deficiency in their case, because I agree there has to be.

[Nancy Grace]

But you haven't found it, have you?

[Randy Kessler]

Well, I haven't and I don't. I'm not pretty.

[Nancy Grace]

I haven't either.

[Randy Kessler]

I haven't.

[Nancy Grace]

When you say an airtight case, a lock on the case. Is there ever a lock on a case? I mean, look at top mom, Casey Anthony. Should have been a lot, right? Not guilty. Look at O.J. simpson. Should have been a lot. Double murder, not guilty. It happens all the time. There's never a lock on a case, ever. I don't care how strong the prosecutor thinks the evidence is, there's never a lock. Randy.

[Randy Kessler]

No, but this is probably the first time you've ever agreed with me and taken my side in some way that you're right. There's not a guaranteed lock. So what is the deficiency in this case? You know, those folks, they got a complete acquittal. You definitely don't want to risk a complete acquittal. And if you're worried as a prosecutor that you might not win, you take what you can get. But, you know, I know you're not agreeing with me, but you're telling me that there is a possibility. We don't know what the possibility was because we don't know what to do.

[Nancy Grace]

I'm telling you, Randy, that there is never a lock. And you have to have the backbone to roll the dice, get ready and go to trial. Even if you think you might lose. I mean, look at Coburger, for Pete's sake. That case should have gone to trial and there should be a DP being scheduled right now. Bryan Kohberger should be on death row, where he would sit for the next 25 years and probably get some kind of weird reversal. But it's the point of doing the right thing. And this is the. You know what? This is the wrong thing. Let's just start at the beginning.

[Randy Kessler]

Listen, why do we have juveniles? Why do we not why do we not just prosecute everybody as an adult? There's got to be some basis for decision making, right? This child was a child when he did this, and he's got a right to be tried as a juvenile. And that's what they decided to do.

[Nancy Grace]

Otherwise, he was 17.

[Randy Kessler]

Right. Okay, well, if the law says 17 year olds get tried as an adult, he should have been tried as an adult. Does that? Is that what the law says? No, the law gives a discretion. And they chose the discretion to say, we're gonna follow the law and try him as a juvenile.

[Nancy Grace]

Randy, let's discuss the actual law, not the law in Randyland. The law is that there in most jurisdiction are seven deadly sins for which a juvenile will have a bind over hearing and most likely get treated as an adult. That said, rape is a seven deadly, which means there's a very, very rubber stamp hearing. There is a hearing, but after the hearing, the case will be sent to superior court. Are you telling me you never had a case with a 17 year old that was tried as an adult?

[Randy Kessler]

Certainly there are cases, but again, this is a different case. This is a victim knew that the defendant. This is a. You know, there's an allegation that there was a relationship. I don't know. I'm not proved.

[Shannon Henry]

It.

[Randy Kessler]

It is.

[Nancy Grace]

I'm so glad you said that. Wait, wait, wait, wait. Hold on, hold on. Wait, wait. You think I'm going to pretend that didn't just come out of your mouth? Shannon Henry, joining me, president, founder of S.A.S.S. s a s s surviving assault, Standing Strong. It is a nonprofit on a mission to help victims of sex attacks. Did you just hear what Kessler said? And believe you me, it might work in front of a jury. He said she was his girlfriend. Okay, number one, there's not just one. There's two victims that we know of who say startlingly similar stories about being sex assaulted and beaten, strangled, till one had to have surgery on her neck and her face drooped after the strangulation. And not only that, he videoed the attack. And the police found the video. The state has the video of the girl unconscious, being strangled, and then sex assaulted. Shannon, did you hear that? Randy Kester says, oh, well, it was his girlfriend. Like that means it didn't happen. Shannon.

[Shannon Henry]

Yep. So now, evidently, according to Randy, we're gonna start excusing relationship violence and relationship sexual assaults. And that would include the ones like this one, when clearly her body was shutting down. She urinated on herself as he strangled her. That is the body shutting down. Because it can't do everything it needs to.

[Nancy Grace]

I want to see Kessler. As you're describing that. Pick it up right there, please.

[Shannon Henry]

Shannon, she urinated on herself. And so that tells us that the body is shutting down. So this isn't, you know, this is the perfect case. We have the. I know there's no perfect case, but we have video evidence. Typically, it's he said, she said.

[Nancy Grace]

This is not.

[Shannon Henry]

We have the evidence physically, psychologically. We've got the medical evidence. We know that this was attempted murder. This was kidnapping. It was rape. It was sodomy. It was everything it could be. And it does not matter if she.

[Commercial Announcer]

Was in a relationship with him or.

[Shannon Henry]

He was a stranger, he is at fault. He should be sentenced accordingly.

[Nancy Grace]

You know, Shannon, I know you must feel this sometimes. Do you? Shannon is the president and founder of Surviving Assault. Standing strong. I was just thinking about my little daughter Lucy. She's about this big, just beautiful on the inside and the outside. And sometimes I just feel like going to lane on the railroad track and wait for a train to come in. I mean, there is a video. The little high school girl wet her pants. She went unconscious. At one point she was bleeding from her genitals. And there's a video. The guy sets up a video he wants to replay watching himself strangling her out. The one victim, and there's two that we know of, had to have surgery on her throat. Her face was drooping on one side because the strangulation was so severe. Paige Taylor joining us, investigative reporter, Fox 25. Tell me about the surgery the one little girl had to have.

[Shannon Henry]

Well, yeah, so after she was strangled, she had a lot of pain in her neck. There was swelling. And so, you know, she did have to undergo surgery and now she has a scar. So not only, you know, does she have mental scars, but now she has a physical one.

[Nancy Grace]

Rachel Countryman also joining us, you know her well, forensic nurse expert, founder of Countryman Consulting. She provides expert testimony in case consultation all across the country on sex assault, strangulation, partner violence @countrymen consulting services.com and there's a reason she has her own consulting business. She has been on the front lines as a rape nurse. Rachel, when you hear the victim was totally unconscious and urinated in her clothes, urinated during the attack, she had no control over her bodily functions at all. We know that in at least one instance there was genital bleeding. How can a judge, judge. What's her name? Susan Worthington. Write Paige, correct? That's correct, Judge SUSAN Worthington. I Don't understand, Rachel. How. Yeah, there you go. How could she turn the other way and give this guy community service and counseling? And there's not just one victim, Rachel. What would you be looking for? And what do you think of the facts as we know them? I'm getting them straight out of the arrest warrant affidavit. Nobody's making any of this up.

[Shannon Henry]

Yeah. So the symptoms are, you know, quite astounding. A lot of times when we have patients present, we don't see any symptoms. And so the fact that, you know, she urinated herself, loss of consciousness, as you know, Susan mentioned, this is the body shutting down. The body is not getting oxygen, the tissues in the body are getting oxygen. And she is very close to losing her life.

[Nancy Grace]

What happened and why did the judge agree to this? And even more interesting, why did the prosecutor even put it up?

[Shannon Henry]

Listen, a serial rapist who strangles his girlfriends for a laugh, serving no jail time on 11 charges, securing a sweetheart deal, classifying him as a youthful offender. The now 18 year old's treatment plan, counseling, community service and curfew. We're protesting Judge Susan Worthington and demanding her immediate resignation. We are protesting the Payne County District Attorney's office and demanding the immediate resignation designation of the ADAs who made this deal.

[Paige Taylor]

If that don't set you on fire, your wood's wet, you know what I mean? You got a bad, you know, that sets me on fire. That looks like favoritism all day long for me.

[Nancy Grace]

That from our friends at KFOR. And that was Representative J.J. humphrey. I couldn't agree with him more. Many people are asking why, Judge, said Susan Worthington. And don't worry, I'm going to get about 3 inches up the prosecutor's tailpipe as well. Why she would go along with this plea. How can she even look at herself in the mirror? Well, we have an idea.

[Paige Taylor]

Listen, Jesse Mac Butler, a star baseball player for the Stillwater High Pioneers, already getting offers to play at NCAA colleges. Jesse's family deeply tied to Stillwater and Oklahoma State University father Mac Butler served as the Cowboys football director for 16 years and now his wife and daughter also work for Oklahoma State's football program. Stillwater outraged by Butler's light sentence. Many speculating Mac Butler's deep connection to OSU is the reason behind his son's ridiculous sentence. Protesters calling for District Attorney Laura Thomas's firing. I'm not slowing down and you know, I have a 15 year old.

[Randy Kessler]

And he said, daddy, you need to do something.

[Paige Taylor]

So they have a position that came open at Stillwater schools. And I said, I don't want to be the head guy. I don't want any of that. If I can help, I want to help.

[Nancy Grace]

Straight back out to Paige Taylor, investigative reporter, Fox 25 news page. I want to hear about the father's deep involvement in the community and the sports programs.

[Shannon Henry]

Yes. So that family does have deep ties to Stillwater, to osu. Like you mentioned, he, you know, did work for OSU for many years with the football program. And I think it's important to note, you know, football is so important in those college towns and really carries a lot of weight and meaning, you know, he's also worked at some other universities and high schools around the state of Oklahoma.

[Nancy Grace]

Guys, it seemingly gets so much worse. But to Randy Kessler joining us, Atlanta trial lawyer, allegedly lawyer to the celebs. Randy, it matters. It shouldn't matter. But I've seen it happen in court where an influential family comes into court, typically with their son. Occasionally their daughter has a felony, but usually the son and they all have on their Sunday best and they all stand up behind the podium and they cry and they write letters and they get really influential people like mayors and the heads of football programs at colleges to write on behalf of the defendant. And I don't like it, but it matters. Not to me. To me, that makes it worse. That means that that defendant had every opportunity, every advantage given the world on a silver platter on top of a Christmas tree and still committed a felony, as opposed to some people who everybody in their family has gone to jail. They've all committed felonies. It's a way of life. They don't understand, hey, this is wrong. This guy had it all. And it makes a difference, I guess, to the judge and the prosecutor in this case. What matters to me are what these two little girls say.

[Randy Kessler]

I agree with you, Nancy, and I want to make it clear to you and all you guys, I think this conduct was despicable. And I'm not defending the conduct. I'm trying to find reasons because I wasn't there as to why they might have cut this deal or why they might have not charged him. That's all I'm trying to do is explain that. And I think you might be right. I don't know this judge, I don't know this prosecutor. But we're all searching for either the facts weren't there or the evidence wasn't there. And it sounds like it was there. So what else is there? And I think you're looking in the right direction. Maybe there was something untoward going on. And I agree with you. I don't have famous people write letters thinking that's going to impress the judge. If I was a judge, I'd say, oh, you think you're hot stuff and you're going to pour your clout and affect me. I think most judges, most good judges would see exactly the way you suggested they should see it, which is it doesn't matter. In fact, it makes it worse if you think that's going to help. What matters is the conduct. What matters is the evidence. And what matters to the prosecution is can they prove and can they win their case? If they can prove and win their case, then they should push it as far as they can. If they're not sure, then they compromise. And I've not been in the room and I wasn't there and I'm hearing more and more people on the show and it's still making me question why.

[Nancy Grace]

Randy Kasser.

[Randy Kessler]

Yes.

[Nancy Grace]

You're not, you're not worried, are you, that somebody's going to go on X or Facebook and go, oh, I'm mad at Randy Kessler because he took up for the defendant. You actually care what somebody says about you.

[Commercial Announcer]

Let's be real. Life happens, kids spill, pets shed and accidents are inevitable. That's why you need a washable sofa that can keep up. Our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out so you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility? Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space, whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus, they're earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. Get early access to Black Friday pricing starting at just $699. It's time to upgrade to a stress free mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply. Let's unpack the myths behind GLP1 drugs. Myth number one, GLP1 can be a long term solution for weight loss. True, they can.

[Shannon Henry]

If you want to be on a.

[Commercial Announcer]

Drug that changes your body's natural instincts. Myth 2 GLP1 can fix your metabolism. False. GLP1s fix hunger and this leads to weight loss. Try the natural GLP1 therapy. Metabolism Ignite. Get 15% off your first order with promo code [e-mail] V E R A C I T Y self care.com Under.

[Paige Taylor]

A dense fog at 4am the city's cargo docks are deserted except for two shadowy figures whispering near a shipment marked confidential.

[Shannon Henry]

Did you hear that splash?

[Commercial Announcer]

Someone's out there watching us.

[Paige Taylor]

Just ignore it. We make the deal. We walk away. No one gets hurt. By sunrise, I'm gone for good. A gunshot echoes. Someone falls. A bag drops, scattering diamonds across the slick planks. Then only silence. Who fired the shot and where did they go? The docks hold answers, but by sunrise someone else may vanish into the mist. The truth surfaces next Will you dare to listen? Download Solitaire Clash. That's Clash today on the App Store or Samsung Galaxy Store and click on the Halloween case files. Do you dare to step into the shadows and uncover what isn't meant to be found? Only those with razor sharp wits will uncover the truth. Crack the Halloween case files and the prize could be yours. Download Solitaire Clash today.

[Nancy Grace]

When someone's told they have diabetes, it can feel like their life has changed completely. Decisions about what to eat, what activities to do and what's going to happen in the future can feel like a mystery with no solution. But with Dexcom G7, the number one most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see where your glucose is, where it's been and where it's headed in real time without finger sticks. This allows you to make confident decisions about food, activities, even medications so you can keep your glucose levels in range and even lower your A1C which helps protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 is the most covered CGM brand at pharmacy and is the most recommended CGM brand by both patients and doctors. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today. For healthier tomorrows. Start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge dexcom data on File Finger sticks required if symptoms or expectations don't match readings. For full prescribing information on risks, benefits and a list of compatible smart devices, visit Dexcom.com crime stories with Nancy Grace.

[Randy Kessler]

I care what people say about me.

[Nancy Grace]

You're in the wrong business if you.

[Randy Kessler]

Do say what I'm in the wrong business? No, I've got thick skin.

[Nancy Grace]

You're in the wrong business if you care what everybody else says. It doesn't matter what they say. It matters that you do the right thing. And as a defense attorney, it's your job. As much as I don't like it to find holes in every case and exploit them. We have the adversarial system. We're adversaries. We collide in court and we fight it out. And we test each other's evidence through cross examination and the rules of evidence. You know how many defense attorneys I've made mad because I would fight their exhibits, fight their witnesses any way I could because I want a verdict that speaks the truth to try to stop me.

[Randy Kessler]

And that's what I do. But you know what? And try, try doing divorce once in a while too. When we do some of that, then you've got people that are really angry at each other. It's not just the state, it's an individual. So certainly we do our job and certainly there's times when we have to say, you know what, it's just an all out fight. But if we can find a way to solve the problem without having a trial, criminal or civil, that's what we always try to do. Why risk the extreme punishment? Why risk the 87 years? Why risk the worst thing a judge or jury can do if you can find a plea? And that's what these.

[Nancy Grace]

I gotta tell you something, Randy. I don't think you ever saw me like this because I would usually go and get in my car when I would be so upset at how a case was turning out. But this case is so wrong. I know of two high school girl victims separated in time and space that give the same story about this guy. It's on video. He videoed it. The girl had to have surgery. He strangled her so badly and he walked free. With counseling. Dr. Cheryl Ehret joining us out of Beverly Hills. Clinical forensic psychologist specializing in trauma recovery. You can find [e-mail] Cheryl, I'm having flashbacks. I guess it's PTSD from the Sean Combs verdict where Cassaventura was beaten horribly, brutally. Like these girls were beaten and strangled till they urinated on themselves on video and the jury excused it. And it's just like the same thing all over again, but with a baseball high school star.

[Shannon Henry]

That's right. There's evidence, there's video evidence. We can see it and we can see when somebody is powerful or influential. We can see courts making a decision that the young man's life is more important than the lives of the two young women that he is destroying. And the thing is that this isn't just about favor. This is also. These are very, very dangerous crimes. And they are crimes with very, very high risk of reoffending. He doesn't show remorse. The family doesn't show a sense of consequences about this. They're saying to him, oh, don't worry, we're going to get you out soon when he gets arrested. And as we've talked about, strangulation puts the victim at risk of 750% more likely to be murdered by the person who strangled her during an attack. We don't see remorse, we see sadism. We see him being proud of what he's doing and recording and he sort of does a oh, I'm sorry for what I'm about to do with one of the victims, but doesn't not hurt her. He is not moved by this pain. And the real risk here is that these types of crimes run a very, very high risk of not only reoffending but of murder, of murdering future victims. And whatever favor has happened here, if a future victim is murdered, I really think that the blood is on the hands of the judge in this case.

[Nancy Grace]

Talking about flashbacks from the Sean Combs trial, remember this.

[Paige Taylor]

Butler appears to be a typical all American teenager, but his ex girlfriends say he's extremely violent. Just a few weeks into the fall semester, two Stillwater High students seek out their school resource officer scared of their shared ex boyfriend, alleging he attacks them numerous times throughout back to back relationships. The victims are still attending class with their attacker. Now 18 year old Jesse Butler.

[Nancy Grace]

It gets so much worse. When you read the affidavits, the sworn testimony about what these victims said, I want you to hear it.

[Shannon Henry]

Butler tries to rape LS for the first time outside of a marble slab on what was supposed to be an ice cream date. Butler pins LS down in his car, removes her clothes, then touches her breast and vagina while she tells him to stop. Through tears, Butler says he's sorry for what he's about to do, but he has to do it. Before the rape, a woman approaches Butler's car and says she's calling police. Butler drives LS back to her own car, but gets in with her, still trying to initiate intercourse until LS finally convinces him to get out.

[Nancy Grace]

Well, needless to say, it didn't end there. But back to you, Kessler. An ice cream date. Don't you have daughters?

[Randy Kessler]

Yeah. It's irrelevant. I mean it's not right. What do you want to say to that?

[Nancy Grace]

It's irrelevant. So I'll take that as a yes. An ice cream date. You know, the other night Lucy and her little friend boy went out for frozen yogurt. That sounds pretty innocent, doesn't it? A Woman in the parking lot had to come over and get him off of her and threaten to call police. Think about it. If he will do that in a public park in front of Marble Slab Creamery, for Pete's sake, what will he do on an isolated road or when he has the girl in private? If he will be that bold, that horrible criminal in a public parking lot.

[Randy Kessler]

So criminal, that's your answer? What do you want me to say to that, Nancy? Stupidity. Thank goodness he did it like that so that he got caught and that he got. And there was a witness and there was someone that came out there, right? Thank goodness. Because there are smarter criminals that are worse, right? This is not. This is not a nice guy.

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, I like that. I like that. I like that when you argue. There are people worse. Okay? What am I supposed to do with that? There are people worse than him.

[Randy Kessler]

Worse as far as intelligence, Nancy. Not as far as what they did there. People. There are people that do worse things and people that do less. Worse things. You can't classify that. You can't rank that. This is down there, right? This is something nobody wants to be a part of. Nobody wants.

[Nancy Grace]

I don't have a problem ranking it. I would say it's not as bad as murdering her, but it's a whole lot worse than shoplifting, right? Yeah, I can totally rank it. That's why we call it when I Of the seven deadly sins for which you will be tried as an adult. Okay, not convinced yet. Kessler, listen to this.

[Paige Taylor]

Butler tries to rape LS again, this time at his home while his mother is there. LS cries and says no while Butler straddles her on the couch. Butler is removing his own underwear when his mom knocks on the door and asks if everything's okay. Butler then drives LS home, but parks streets away, refusing to drop her off until she does what he wants. Butler gropes LS and moves her hand over his groin. This goes on for hours. LS afraid to try to leave. Butler only gives up when his sister texts he needs to come home to Jesse's parents.

[Shannon Henry]

I don't know what you knew. I don't know if you heard me crying through the walls or noticed how your son treated me when no one was looking. But I hope you hear me now. Your son hurt me in ways that cannot be un. And I need you to understand that your silence, your protection of him, or even your denial would hurt too. Because someone should have stopped this. Someone should have seen the bruises and the fear.

[Nancy Grace]

Did the parents know? Apparently, yes. You heard that? The mother comes to the door and goes, everything okay in there? It's her home. Her home where this is happening? How could she not know? Well, let's take a look. Look at Mommy come arrest ready to.

[Commercial Announcer]

Obviously tell our story too.

[Paige Taylor]

Yeah.

[Nancy Grace]

Jess, it's mom.

[Shannon Henry]

Open the door, it's me. And if you'll just have him step.

[Nancy Grace]

Out and.

[Shannon Henry]

Give me your wallet and.

[Commercial Announcer]

Phone and stuff so I.

[Nancy Grace]

You're what? They're in the car. Well, okay. It's fine.

[Shannon Henry]

It's not locked or anything, is it?

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, so can you tell him what you just told me or.

[Commercial Announcer]

Yeah.

[Shannon Henry]

So we're here. We're obviously going to place you under arrest. There's a warrant for your arrest. We're going to take you to the jail. I told your mom that she can contact a bondsman and you shouldn't be very there very long, but there just is a process for paperwork and, and stuff. But right now you do have to come with us and I do have to put you in handcuffs. So turn around for me.

[Commercial Announcer]

I'll get you out for me.

[Nancy Grace]

All right?

[Commercial Announcer]

Stay silent. Rick knows about this. Candy's on this. Dad's on his way.

[Shannon Henry]

We're coming to Egypt.

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay? Stay strong, okay? Stay your prayers still water pd. Okay.

[Randy Kessler]

That way they don't think you went like straight over and go with the county.

[Nancy Grace]

Did I just hear mommy say this is an awful experience for a child? Is she talking about that hulk walking along in handcuffs? And did you notice Dr. Cheryl Ehrett? Mommy wasn't surprised at all.

[Commercial Announcer]

Let's be real. Life happens. Kids spill, pets shed and accidents are inevitable. That's why you need a washable sofa that can keep up. Our sofas are fully machine washable inside and out. So you can say goodbye to stains and hello to worry free living. Made with liquid and stain resistant fabrics, they're kid proof, pet friendly and built for everyday life. Plus changeable fabric covers let you refresh your sofa whenever you want. Need flexibility. Our modular design lets you rearrange your sofa anytime to fit your space whether it's a growing family room or a cozy apartment. Plus their earth friendly and trusted by over 200,000 happy customers. Get early access to Black Friday pricing starting at just $699. It's time to upgrade to a stress free mess proof sofa. Visit washablesofas.com today and save that's washablesofas.com offers are subject to change and certain restrictions may apply.

[Shannon Henry]

A doubly certified OB GYN doctor and.

[Commercial Announcer]

A licensed acupuncturist doctor walk into a room. What do they talk about? GLP1 of course. GLP1 slows digestion, leading to bloating and discomfort versus Verasity Self Care's Metabolism Ignite product, which supports your digestion and gut health. GLP1 side effects can lead to nausea, fatigue and muscle loss, whereas Metabolism Ignite is powered by plants and there are no side effects. Visit veracityselfcare.com and receive 15% off your first order with promo code iHeart. That's veracityselfcare.com at the Ivywood Gala, guests.

[Paige Taylor]

Twirl beneath crystal chandeliers. The clock strikes midnight and glasses are raised in a glittering toast to Rose, the long lost daughter of the Royal Family. May her return bring joy and light to us all. A servant steps forward, delivering a bouquet of blood red roses into Rose's hands. She smiles and lifts them to her face. Rose collapses, the bouquet still clutched in her hands. The crowd panics. Screams and shouts echo across the room. Midnight's toast turned deadly among the glittering guests. The killer moves unseen. Who turned Midnight into tragedy? The next clue awaits. Download Solitaire Clash that's Clash today on the App Store or Samsung Galaxy Store and click on the Halloween case files. Do you dare to step into the shadows and uncover what isn't meant to be found? Only those with razor sharp wits will uncover the truth. Crack the Halloween case files in Solitaire Clash and the prize could be yours. Download Solitaire Clash today.

[Nancy Grace]

When someone's told they have diabetes, it can feel like their life has changed completely. Decisions about what to eat, what activities to do, and what's going to happen in the future can feel like a mystery with no solution. But with Dexcom G7, the number one most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see where your glucose is, where it's been and where it's headed in real time without finger sticks. This allows you to make confident decisions about food, activities, even medications so you can keep your glucose levels in range and even lower your A1C, which helps protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 is the most covered CGM brand at pharmacy and is the most recommended CGM brand by both patients and doctors. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today for healthier tomorrows. Start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge dexcom data on File Finger sticks required if symptoms or expectations don't match readings. For full prescribing information on risks, benefits and a list of compatible smart devices, visit Dexcom.com crime stories with Nancy Grace I mean, you know what it reminds me of? Dr. Cheryl have you ever seen Cops, okay, where they're playing bad boy, bad boy and they run through a house to make an arrest and there's a guy sitting there drinking a beer and a lazy boy watching tv. He just watches the cops run through like it's just another day at home. Not surprised at all that the SWAT team is running across his living room. He just keeps watching tv. The mom shows no emotion at all. She's not surprised her son is charged with brutal attacks on two high school girls, for Pete's sake.

[Shannon Henry]

That's right. There is no level of shock that you're seeing register for her about the gravity of the things that he is charged with. She immediately goes into babying him and trying to make sure that he knows that they're going to pull all the strings they can and he's going to be okay. And her empathy and her compassion seems to be about rescuing him from the consequences of the crimes he's just been accused of. And with evidence with, with, with these young girls, these high school girls who, they know Stillwater is not a big community. I mean, these, these, these girls were one of them we know was, was in her home. And she was worried enough that, that something didn't sound right to knock on the sort of an act of not knowing, a denial that is not just a river in Egypt that we see in households where there is violence, where people kind of take the convenient way out sometimes and pretend that they don't see the glaring red flags that they need to see. And this is one of the reasons I'm so concerned about this young man reoffending.

[Nancy Grace]

To Rachel Countryman. Joining us, forensic nurse expert at Countryman Consulting. She is an expert witness, an advisor on sex assault strangulation cases all across the country. Rachel, earlier you said that sometimes in rape victims you don't see a physical manifestation. In this case, you've got a high school girl bleeding from her genitals and you have a strangulation so severe that she has to have throat surgery and is left with permanent scars. Her face is drooping on one side. Wouldn't that qualify as proof, forensic physical evidence that the sex attacks occurred?

[Shannon Henry]

Yeah, I mean, for sure that definitely that physical evidence that we don't always see. And you know, I further think about the brain injury that these girls maybe have occurred from the lack of oxygen during these strangulation attempts multiple and multiple times. And you know, as we know, traumatic brain Injuries, they're lifelong. You know, those things are something that, you know, they're not just emotions that we can deal with and pass on or, you know, there's something that these girls in their very young lives are going to have to deal with into their adulthood.

[Nancy Grace]

Let's take a look at that arrest again. I'm really surprised that they didn't offer him some cookies and milk when they arrested him. They practically apologized for putting him in cuffs, for Pete's sake. This is a two time sex attacker. There's no question of guilt or innocence. Why are they treating him this way? I don't expect them to throw him face down on the asphalt and drag him to the car, but for Pete's sake, I mean, again, milk and cookies. Listen.

[Commercial Announcer]

Obviously tell our story, too.

[Paige Taylor]

Yeah.

[Nancy Grace]

Jess, it's Mom.

[Shannon Henry]

Open the door, it's me. And if you'll just have him step out and give me your wallet and phone and stuff.

[Nancy Grace]

So you're what? Okay, it's fine.

[Shannon Henry]

It's not locked or anything, is it?

[Nancy Grace]

Okay, so can you tell him what you just told me or.

[Randy Kessler]

Yeah.

[Shannon Henry]

So we're here. We're obviously going to place you under arrest. There's a warrant for your arrest. We're going to take you to the jail. I told your mom that she can contact a bondsman and you shouldn't be very there very long, but there just is a process for paperwork and stuff. But right now you do have to come with us and I do have to put you in handcuffs. So turn around for me.

[Commercial Announcer]

I'll get you out for me.

[Nancy Grace]

All right? Stay silent.

[Commercial Announcer]

Rick knows about this. Candy's on this.

[Shannon Henry]

Dad's on his way.

[Nancy Grace]

We're coming to Egypt.

[Commercial Announcer]

Okay? Stay strong. Okay? Say your prayers.

[Shannon Henry]

Still Water pd.

[Randy Kessler]

Okay, that way they don't think you went like straight over and over.

[Shannon Henry]

I will never forget the night you strangled me unconscious because I said no. That moment changed my life. A medical professional later told me that I was just 30 seconds away from dying. 30 seconds. If you had kept your hands on my neck just a little longer, I wouldn't be standing here today. That wasn't just a scare. It was a near death experience. You didn't just hurt me, you nearly killed me.

[Nancy Grace]

That strangulation victim LS one of the two little high school girls she ends up. That's the girl that had to have the surgery on her neck with a permanent scar. She had facial drooping because of it. But I mentioned a second victim. We're calling her K.S.

[Paige Taylor]

Listen, later that same week, Butler tells K.S. he wants to strangle her again, this time on film because he enjoys watching her pass out, afraid of what would happen if she refused. KS again loses consciousness while Butler's hands are wrapped around her neck. The officer who takes KS's report discovers the video still saved to Butler's phone matching her description and time frame.

[Nancy Grace]

Joining us now, domestic violence, sex assault. Detective Napa Bill Hernandez. Bill, thank you for being with us. How many times have you heard a defense attorney argue there's no proof that happened? And I remember arguing, what do you want, a video? We've got a video, Bill. But yet the judge allowed him to walk free with counseling and the DA with a straight face put that up as the deal.

[Paige Taylor]

That's terrible. I can't imagine what these survivors are going to go through because of that.

[Randy Kessler]

Deal that was struck.

[Paige Taylor]

It is unconscionable and it's really unbelievable that this happened. And it's really going to encourage more people like Jesse to do things like this. And it's going to really stop other survivors from wanting to report because they.

[Nancy Grace]

See that nothing is going to happen. Guys, there is a move afoot to kick out the prosecutor and the judge.

[Shannon Henry]

Hey, hey, ho ho. Lauren Thomas has got to go. Hey, hey, ho, ho.

[Paige Taylor]

Judge Worthington previously under fire. A Cushing Middle school teacher pleaded guilty to sexually harassing a 13 year old student. Swain asked the girl for sexually explicit photos and to meet him in private. Swain also caught trying to break in her bedroom window. Swain sentenced to 10 years, but Worthington suspended the majority. Swain spending just a year behind bars.

[Nancy Grace]

Sydney Sumner, crime Stories investigative reporter. You've researched the judge's history. What can you tell me about her track record?

[Shannon Henry]

So Judge Susan Worthington suspended this middle school teacher's almost 10 year sentence. So he spent just a year behind bars for sexually harassing a 13 year old girl trying to break into her bedroom. And Nancy, it gets worse. And after his release on that suspended sentence, Swaim raped a 16 year old girl.

[Nancy Grace]

He lured her into his car at.

[Shannon Henry]

A gas station parking lot, raped her and then harassed her for months trying to keep her quiet about what happened.

[Nancy Grace]

That charge was dropped. The district attorney's office did not prosecute.

[Shannon Henry]

Swain for that rape and now he's charged again. Last year, November, he was charged with sexually contacting a minor third of Kessler.

[Nancy Grace]

Look, I can't tell you how seriously I take every case I put in front of a jury and every guilty plea one. There's so many nightmares, but one of My worst possible nightmares is the thought that an innocent person is behind bars. Not only would the innocent person be behind bars, but the guilty person. And we'll be walking free. But when I hear that how could the judge live with herself? Or the prosecutor? The prosecutor is just as bad. They're the one that put up the plea deal and the judge rubber stamped it. They both had the opportunity to do the right thing. Did you hear what Sydney was saying about Swaim, the middle school teacher breaking into a middle school girl's bedroom? Cut loose by Worthington, went on to rape another little girl and harass her and now he's up on a third count. I mean, I don't know how they can live with themselves. How do they sit down at the supper table at night and think everything's okay, they're doing just a great job, right?

[Randy Kessler]

Unfortunately or unfortunately, that's what makes judges usually become more and more conservative. You have one mistake like that and one backlash and you say that's never going to happen again. This is rare. This is a unique situation. You're asking the right questions. I don't know the answers, but yeah, it is strange that a judge would not become, over time, more and more conservative, more and more concerned that I'm going to make a mistake. I don't want it to happen again. This sounds like it could be a mistake. I don't know all the details. I don't know why.

[Nancy Grace]

But you know what, Randy? There's nothing that can be done now is there? Once a plea has been offered and accepted. Once the state offers a plea, the defense accepts the plea. That's a deal. You cannot go back on a deal no matter what. Even if another prosecutor offered it. Once the deal has been accepted, it's a deal. But the judge doesn't have to accept it.

[Randy Kessler]

No. I mean, of course if you find wrongdoing, you see this in politics all the time, right? If someone's wrongfully convicted because there was an impartial judge who was on the take, there are ways to go back at this. Now it looks like what you're suggesting, this judge had some ulterior motive, some reason to help this community member that was a baseball star and a rising baseball star and connected by family. That's about the only way you can go about getting a sentence undone is to say that it wasn't done properly and the person doing it was corrupt. But otherwise you can't go back and re argue the facts or say try again. You're right. The sentence is a sentence.

[Nancy Grace]

You know Bill Hernandez, who is a domestic violence, sex assault detective in Napa. Bill, you mentioned the burden that these victims, the rape victims and their families are going to have going forward describe.

[Paige Taylor]

Well, what's going to happen, what's going.

[Nancy Grace]

To have to happen for them is.

[Paige Taylor]

They are going to have to deal with this trauma forever for the rest of their lives. There's also some long term consequences, especially related to the strangulation that these girls.

[Randy Kessler]

Are going to be suffering for a long time.

[Paige Taylor]

And I heard that one of them had to have surgery because of facial palsy and also in injury to her neck. And it's just going to be a long term, long time recovery for them and the families.

[Shannon Henry]

I've had to carry this weight while going to school, trying to act like I'm okay. I've woken up from nightmares that make me feel like I'm being attacked all over again. I've had to explain bruises, explain silence, explain why I started isolating from people who love me. You didn't just strangle me with your hands. You strangle my voice, my joy, my ability to feel safe in my own body.

[Nancy Grace]

Two high school girls brutally attacked. And the attacker enters a nolo which is a conviction and walks free with counseling. To Paige Taylor, investigative reporter, Fox 25. What, if anything is happening now?

[Shannon Henry]

Well, we know that he has to follow this plan under the youthful offender status, which means attending weekly counseling, 150 hours of community service, curfew, no social media and daily check ins. So he will have to follow that plan until he turns 19, which is less than a year from now. That will be next August. If he strays from that plan or does not comply with that plan, then he could go back to that 78 year sentence.

[Nancy Grace]

So then nothing. Randy Kessler, very quickly, once a deal has been struck, even if it's a deal with the devil and the judge goes along with it, it's really hard to change that, to get that reversed.

[Randy Kessler]

Right? I mean, that's our system. That was right. All we can do is hope the next time it doesn't happen again and do what we can to prevent it from happening again. But yes, the answer to your question briefly is yes.

[Nancy Grace]

You just fed me a dirt sandwich. You think I'm gonna act like I like it? No, we are working to have the plea deal reversed. In the meantime, judge, get off the bench. And same to you, district attorney. You're not worth the salt that goes in my bread. Begone. I don't want to see anything but tail hole and elbows out of ye while while you run out of town. If you know or think you know anything about this case, please contact Stillwater PD 405-372-4171. And if you or someone you know is an assault victim, please dial 800-656-4673. We remember American Hero Deputy Sheriff Devin Jaramillo, Miami Dade just 27, shot in the line of duty, leaving behind grieving parents. American Hero Deputy Devin Jaramillo Nancy Grace signing off. Goodbye friend.

[Commercial Announcer]

Let's unpack The Myths Behind GLP1 Drugs Myth 1 GLP1 can be a long term solution for weight loss. True, they can.

[Shannon Henry]

If you want to be on a.

[Commercial Announcer]

Drug that changes your body's natural instincts, GLP1 can fix your metabolism. False. GLP1s fix hunger and this leads to weight loss. Try the Natural GLP1 Therapy Metabolism Ignite. Get 15% off your first order with promo code [e-mail] V E R A C I T Y self care.com this.

[Paige Taylor]

Halloween season, there's only one place where thrills meet chills. And it's not your neighbor's haunted house. It's Solitaire Clash. That's Solitaire C L A S H where spooky fun and big wins collide. Crack the Halloween case file, uncover eerie surprises and compete for real prizes. Whether you're in costume or just craving a scare, Solitaire Clash brings all the fun and the fright. Download Solitaire Clash Solitaire C L A S H in the App Store and Samsung Galaxy Store today. Don't ghost this chance to win with.

[Nancy Grace]

Diabetes, everyday decisions feel like a mystery without a solution. But with Dexcom G7, the most accurate CGM system, you can quickly and easily see your glucose in real time on your phone, helping you make confident decisions that keep your glucose levels in range and lower your A1C, which can help protect your long term health. Dexcom G7 gives you the knowledge to better control diabetes today for healthier tomorrows. Start your healthier [e-mail] knowledge data on file. For full prescribing information on risk, risks, benefits and compatible smart devices, visit dexcom.com.

[Shannon Henry]

Did you know that parents rank financial literacy as the number one most difficult.

[Commercial Announcer]

Life skill to teach? Meet Greenlight, the debit card and money app for families.

[Shannon Henry]

With Greenlight, you can send money to kids quickly, set up chores, automate allowance.

[Commercial Announcer]

And keep an eye on your kids spending.

[Nancy Grace]

With real time notifications, kids learn to earn, save and spend wisely.

[Shannon Henry]

And parents can rest easy knowing their kids are learning about money with guardrails in place.

[Commercial Announcer]

Try Greenlight Risk free [e-mail].

[Nancy Grace]

Try now. This is an iHeart podcast.