Judge Hodge requested verification of Garrett’s treatment records, and the clerk provided a sealed packet. When Travis was called to testify, he removed his leather vest before approaching the stand, revealing a plain black shirt beneath.
“State your name,” the judge instructed.
“Travis Cole,” he answered.
“You are affiliated with the group present?”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Why are you here?”
Travis replied evenly, “We have attended recovery meetings with Mr. Sloan for eleven months, and he asked us to witness that he is not being coerced.”
The prosecutor asked, “Are you attempting to influence the court’s decision?”
“No, sir,” Travis responded.
“Then why bring so many individuals?”
Travis answered, “Because he did not trust himself to stand strong alone.”
The explanation shifted the mood of the room.
Travis continued, “He told us last month that if the court determined it was safest for his daughter, he would sign, and he asked us to hold him accountable to that promise.”
The courtroom listened rather than whispered.