The Fight of My Life – Finding Ruby | The Trial | Episode 5

Host: Cadence Productions
Date: September 25, 2022

Episode Overview

This episode tells the harrowing and courageous story at the heart of Ruby’s fight for justice—a true account of her rescue from online sexual exploitation, the complex legal battle that followed, and the resilience of those who stood with her. The episode is anchored in the lead-up and unfolding of Ruby’s trial, offering an intimate portrait of fear, trauma, and resolve as 16-year-old Ruby faces her abusers in court alongside her advocate, Attorney Kath. Through first-person accounts and documentary storytelling, the episode explores themes of injustice, the strength needed to testify, and the cost—personal and systemic—of pursuing true accountability.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction: Kath's Story and Motivation (00:01–07:42)

• Kath & Frank’s Love Story: We learn about Kath's childhood friendship and later romance with Frank, a ship officer. Their engagement is marked by hope for the future.
• Tragedy and Injustice: Frank’s sudden, suspicious death at sea initiates Kath’s personal fight for justice. Kath suspects a cover-up, and her legal training sharpens her resolve after evidence of foul play is mishandled and witnesses are silenced by fear.
  • “There was a cover up. And the company offered to pay the full amount of the insurance ... There's foul play.” – Attorney Ray [05:36]
• Birth of a Calling: The experience transforms Kath’s sense of purpose:
  • “I developed a personal passion and enthusiasm for advocating for the rights of victims of heinous crimes.” – Attorney Kath [07:42]

2. Ruby’s Rescue: The Beginning of a New Fight (08:26–11:44)

• First Rescue Operation: Kath, now newly employed by IJM, joins a raid and is confronted by the reality of online sexual exploitation for the first time.
  • “When I went inside, I felt the hair on my arms rise. ... I saw that sex toys were scattered on the floor... and it was really scary for me. That's something I will never forget.” – Attorney Ray [10:10]
• Meeting Ruby: Despite physical and emotional hardship, Ruby’s courage is immediately apparent. She stands out for her composure and strength.
  • “She had this aura of bravery or courage. ... She wasn’t panicking. Like the rest of the victim survivors.” – Attorney Ray [11:21]

3. Life in Protective Custody: Waiting for Justice (11:44–16:45)

• Conditions at DSWD: Ruby and dozens of other girls live in overcrowded, monotonous conditions, struggling with trauma and uncertainty about the future.
  • “In one DORM there was 96 of us who were staying there ... it was really crowded. There were girls who were sharing a bed because it’s too crowded.” – Ruby [12:44]
  • “It's just like I'm existing. But yeah, I don't know the purpose or the meaning of my existence.” – Ruby [13:30]
• Justice as Motivation: Ruby’s determination to see her perpetrators punished becomes a lifeline.
  • “I want them to be imprisoned. I want to see them ... behind bars the rest of their lives.” – Ruby [14:51]

4. The Decision to Testify (16:45–17:39)

• Choosing Courage: While many girls decline to testify, Ruby steps forward, motivated by responsibility to other victims and a desire to prevent further abuses.
  • “I just didn’t look at myself ... I was also considering those other girls that was rescued with me.” – Ruby [16:45]
  • “I was also thinking of the other people that, you know, they might victimize in the future also. It has to stop right there.” – Ruby [17:24]

5. Legal Battles Begin: Facing a Formidable Opponent (17:39–22:32)

• Veteran Defense Lawyer: Kath’s apprehension grows as she prepares to go up against an aggressive, seasoned defense lawyer known for his intimidating tactics.
  • “He loved bullying and badgering witnesses for the prosecution. So I was a bit worried for [Ruby].” – Attorney Kath [18:32]
• Delaying Tactics: Numerous motions are filed to derail and delay the case, but Kath and her team persist, methodically responding to each challenge.
• Preparing Ruby: Kath works meticulously to prepare Ruby for the intimidation she will face in court.
  • “It was like a student and a teacher relationship that I had with attorney Kath.” – Ruby [22:32]

6. The Day of the Trial: Ruby Takes the Stand (23:37–34:05)

• Emotional Toll: As Ruby enters the courthouse, fear and anger intermingle. She copes with both with the support of Kath and her social workers.
  • “We held hands as we entered the justice hall that morning. I remember Ruby’s hands were cold and clammy.” – Attorney Kath [28:58]
• Child Witness Safeguards: The judge excludes the public, removes judicial robes, and allows Ruby to face away from her abusers while testifying.
  • “She held her head high as she sat on the chair, placed one hand on the Bible and swore to tell the truth ... the judge ... allowed Ruby to turn her back against the accused.” – Attorney Kath [31:36]
• Defining Moment: Ruby turns to identify her abusers in court, demonstrating remarkable poise.
  • “I looked in their eyes and I actually saw that they were looking down. ... They did not ... have the confidence to look back at me.” – Ruby [33:32]

7. The Cross-Examination: Testing Ruby’s Resolve (34:05–39:19)

• Defense's Aggression: The defense lawyer attempts to break Ruby through relentless, harsh questioning, but she remains steadfast and unshaken.
  • “No matter how hard this defense lawyer tried to pervert the truth ... Ruby was able to explain her answers well. ... The defense lawyer could not badger or cower Ruby.” – Attorney Kath [38:36]
• Kath’s Advocacy: Despite her gentle appearance, Kath’s fierce advocacy earns her the nickname “Dainty Dragon.”
  • “She has a gentle spirit. But in court, she's the fiercest lawyer, the bravest lawyer.” – Lawrence Aratao [35:47]
• The Toll on Advocates: Kath openly discusses the emotional cost of her work, from exposure to traumatic evidence to threats on her safety.
  • “There were times when the child sexual exploitation materials ... was just too much for me to bear.” – Attorney Kath [36:40]

8. Ruby’s Unyielding Strength and Its Effect (39:19–43:25)

• Repeated Testimony: Ruby is called in multiple times, standing her ground with each cross-examination.
  • “He was so frustrated that I was able to answer all of the questions ... not feeling intimidated at all.” – Ruby [39:38]
  • “He banged the table in frustration.” – Ruby [40:05]
• Empowering Others: Over time, Ruby’s resolve inspires other victims within the shelter, amplifying her voice beyond her own case.
  • “During that four year period of time, Ruby was able to encourage other victim survivors as well.” – Attorney Kath [41:38]
• Breakthrough: A digital forensic examiner presents critical evidence, further strengthening the prosecution’s case and leading the defense lawyer to withdraw.
  • “This defense lawyer eventually filed a motion to withdraw his entry of appearance as defense counsel. He gave up. He simply gave up.” – Attorney Kath [42:57]

9. The Plea Bargain Dilemma (43:25–46:38)

• A New Proposal: With the defense in retreat, a new attorney offers a plea bargain—perpetrators would admit guilt for a greatly reduced sentence in exchange for compensation to Ruby and the other girls.
• Ruby’s Conflict: Ruby faces the moral weight of the decision, wrestling with forgiveness and justice.
  • “Will they be worth forgiving? Are they not? Like, will they not really do it again?” – Ruby [45:44]
• Agency and Impact: Ultimately, it is left to Ruby and the other survivors to choose, marking a new chapter in their pursuit of justice.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On courage in the courtroom:
  • “She came down from her from the podium, took off her judicial robe and allowed Ruby to turn her back against the accused while she gave her testimony.” – Attorney Kath [31:36]
• On Ruby’s impact:
  • “Ruby definitely knew what she was saying and understood what she was fighting for.” – Attorney Kath [38:36]
• On the nature of seeking justice:
  • “I have learned that pursuing good, pursuing justice takes a certain kind of bravery and resilience ... even in the face of powerful opposition.” – Rich Thompson [41:02]
• Kath’s nickname explained:
  • “They call her Dainty Dragon. ... In court, she’s the fiercest lawyer, the bravest lawyer.” – Lawrence Aratao [35:47]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Kath’s backstory and Frank’s death: 00:01–07:42
• First encounter with Ruby and the rescue: 08:26–11:44
• Life at the DSWD shelter: 12:44–16:45
• Ruby’s decision to testify: 16:45–17:39
• Legal wrangling and Kath’s preparation: 17:39–22:32
• Trial day, Ruby’s testimony: 23:37–34:05
• Cross-examination and Kath’s reputation: 34:05–39:19
• Trial developments and Ruby’s influence: 39:19–43:25
• Plea bargain and Ruby’s moral struggle: 43:25–46:38

Conclusion

This episode lays bare the emotional and systemic challenges of prosecuting systemic sexual exploitation. It offers a rare and moving window into survivor testimony, the dynamics of trauma and justice, and the enduring impact of unwavering advocacy. Ruby’s courage and Kath’s fierce loyalty form the heart of the fight—a testament to the power of individual and collective resilience.

For more details, images of the courthouse, or to support the cause, visit findingruby.com.