That same night, police went to Lauren’s house. Justin Hayes, 34, was arrested on the spot. Lauren was also detained for questioning. During interrogation, Lauren initially denied everything.
“Lily has a big imagination. She makes up stories.”
“Mrs. Carter,” the detective interrupted, “we have medical forensic evidence of sexual abuse. This is not imagination.”
Lauren went silent.
“Did you know your partner was abusing your daughter?”
“I… Lily mentioned something today, but Justin assured me it was a misunderstanding.”
“A misunderstanding? And you believed him instead of your six-year-old daughter?”
“Justin said Lily misinterpreted his affection.”
“Affection that includes touching genitals?”
Lauren had no answer.
In the other interview room, Justin initially denied everything. Confronted with medical evidence and Lily’s testimony, he shifted his story.
“She was the one who started it. She was very affectionate with me.”
The detective looked at him with pure disgust.
“She’s a six-year-old child. Children don’t initiate sexual abuse. Adults perpetrate it.”
“I’m saying she misunderstood my fatherly affection.”
“Fatherly affection that includes genital contact?”