Rooms Of Experience - Act 2

After the death of Teddy Wells is initially treated as
a possible suicide, police discover clues that suggest something more deliberate. Ada,
his eighty nine year old mother, makes a quiet but
startling confession she took the life of her adult, nonverbal,
autistic son, not in a moment of panic, but with intention,
care and love. Detective Curtis brings her in for questioning.
Despite her age and fragile appearance, Ada doesn't waiver. She
admits what she did and insists she was fully aware.
Alexis Martinez, a sharp and compassionate attorney and former Adya,
is brought in by Ada's friend and neighbor Gina to
defend her and quickly moves to suppress the confession. But Ada,
dignified and unwavering, stuns everyone when she calmly insists, I
want to have a trial, not to escape punishment, but
to explain why. At the DA's office, Dana Jeffreys is
handling the case. She's ambitious and eager to prove herself. Harvey,
her boss, makes it clear this is a political hot
button and she's been chosen as the public face because
she looks good and plays by the rules. It's not
about justice, It's about optics. Still, Dana accepts the challenge,
supported behind the scenes by her longtime loving boyfriend Ethan.
As Dana steps into Ada's reality, her black and white
worldview begins to blur. The haunting truth of what life
was like for Ada alone for decades with a nonverbal
child who is completely dependent on her throws Dana off balance.
The burden of judgment is now hers to carry, and
it's heavier than she imagined. It's not just about law now,
it's about meaning, legacy, and the right to define your
own story. What looked like a straightforward mercy killing becomes
something deeper and messier, a public courtroom battle over the
meaning of caregiving, autonomy, and dignity. Interior Dana's house foyer,
night closes, the front door behind her, sets down her briefcase.
The sound of laughter floats in from the living room.
Interior Dana's living room, continuous. Dana enters to find Ethan
with two other couples, Izzie and Marshall and Corey and James,
all in their thirties. They stand in chat, drinks in hand.
Appetizers and plates adorn the coffee table. Everyone lets out
of cheer at the side of Dana.
Wait, hold one second, there's only five of you in
the room.
That might be too many people.
Everyone lets out of cheer at the sight of day
Ethan walks over to give Dana a kiss.
There you are.
I totally forgot. I'm so sorry. I'm so sorry. I'm late.
I'm sorry, I'm late.
They move into the group. Martin hans Dana a glass
of wine.
Not to worry, Darling. We all know how hard you
work the police. The slacker can do is keep us
entertained in your absence.
Interior Dana's living room. Later, the three couples sprawl on
the soface board games on the coffee table, along with
dirty plates and half empty glasses. They finish a game
of cards against humanity.
Okay, final round?
What gets better with age?
Oh?
You mean beside you?
Oh?
Nicely played?
No, I just don't age period. It's true.
I mean she's been twenty nine for six years now.
Buzzy gives Marshall a playful backhand. Everyone looks through their cards,
reads their answers.
An ice pickle bottom oooh pre teen.
Jennifer Lawrence.
Iuzzy gives Marshall a look. What He shrugs.
Okay, Ethan, what gets better with age.
Full frontal nudity.
Oh, I was saving that one.
Dana finished us off.
Not funny.
The only card I.
Have left yeast Dana and Izzy. The men laugh, the
laughter dies off.
I know, not funny, but kind of true.
Actually, who won?
Is he?
Who always wins?
Ethan?
Of course? Corey raises his glass to Ethan. Everyone else crying.
Always the nice ones you have to look out for, Ethan.
Fan's being hurt oooh me. Dana gathers up the cards.
The guests finish their drinks, stack plates and glasses, retrieve
their belongings. Dana stands with Ethan to see their guests out.
Marshall pat's Ethan on the back.
Another fantastic evening.
My brother is.
He gives Ethan a kiss on the cheek.
Ethan, you are the best.
Host YouTube, Dana.
Ethan, thanks again for the auction items. That training camp
experience is going to fetch a pretty penny.
Oh, I'm happy to do it. All I did was
make a call.
Well, I appreciate it. We'll see you both there.
Where was that?
Oh?
Remember how the galap for Alzheimer's in honor of Corey's dad.
It's next weekend.
That's right. Yeah, of course, sorry it it depends on
where the trial's at.
But I I hope so, me too.
Hugs and goodbyes all around. Ethan waves. He closes the
door after all the guests make their way out. Interior
Dana's bedroom night. Dana and Ethan stood up in bed.
Dana rubs lotion on her legs.
That was a funny evening.
Yeah, what, your friends don't really like me. They just
tolerate me because of you.
What, babe, why would you say that? Besides, they're your
friends too.
H No, not really.
I gained them by a default, and you knew them
before you met me. I mean, if you and I
weren't together, they wouldn't still be my friends. Like nobody
likes lawyers.
He grabs her, pulls her on to the bed.
Well I do.
He kisses her neck, tries to get her in a
good mood.
In fact, let me show you how much I like lawyers,
this one in particular.
They kiss more intently. He moves his hand up her thigh.
She rolls over to get up. It just hold on,
He tries to keep her in bed. She squirms out
of his embrace.
It'll be okay, just this once, just just leave it.
Oh, I'll be right back.
She heads to the bathroom.
You know, it wouldn't be the end of the world.
He flops back on the bed, groans.
Oh.
Exterior Ada's backyard day.
Ada sits at the patio table, a thick, plastic covered
book open in front of her. She gazes out at
the garden, where adult Teddy, a figment of her imagination,
expertly tends to the plants. He is tall and broad,
with an innocent open face, soft brown curls dance in
a light breeze. Teddy turns to her, holds up a
perfect red ripe tomato.
I don't know how you do it, Teddy. Every year
they're better.
Than the last.
He beams at her.
Ada, I'm outside, deer.
Gina emerges through the sliding door.
There you are, is someone here.
I thought I heard you talking. Ada looks at the
garden again, then back at Gina.
Shakes her head, just getting some fresh air. Thinking about Teddy.
Gina gives her a squeeze, sees the book on the table.
Is this his baby book?
Yes?
May I of course?
Gina sits next to her flips through the book.
Such a handsome boy.
Do you think about having children?
I used to, but I have endometriosis and couldn't get pregnant.
I think that's why I became a teacher. I get
thirty new children every year.
Well, I'm sorry, Ugh. So many expectations around being a woman,
being a mother.
Yes, there are. That's why my husband left after only
a year. He knew I couldn't never give him the
son he wanted so badly.
That wasn't your fault.
I didn't see it that way. Ada puts her hand
on Gina's. They look through the book together.
That's the only photo Teddy's father ever took with him.
He tried to distance himself as much as possible. I
couldn't give him the son he wanted either.
Close on a photo of young Ada seated with baby Teddy.
An unsmiling man stands behind them.
We were more alone when he was here than after
he was gone.
What happened? Unless it's too painful to.
Talk about, there's nothing that can hurt me anymore.
Jack.
My husband blamed me, just like the doctors did. He
said I'd baby Teddy too much and that he needed
to start acting like a normal kid or else. I
was afraid Jack might hurt him, especially after he'd drinking.
One day, Teddy woke from a nap screaming. He screamed
for hours. Nothing I tried would make him stop. Jack
flew into a rage, yelling he couldn't take it anymore
and that it was Teddy or him. I guess he
could tell by the look in my eyes what my
choice was, so he left never came back. I hated
him for a long time, until I realized I didn't
have the energy for it anymore. Sometimes I even felt
sorry for him. I can only imagine what he experienced
in the war just to come home to another.
Are you sure you wouldn't rather stay with me?
Teddy sits beside Ita, puts his head close to hers.
No, thank you, dear, I'm all right here.
Okay, I'll check in on you a little later. I've
got lasagna in the oven for dinner. I'll bring some over.
Mm. That sounds wonderful.
Thank you, takes Gina's hand.
You do such a beautiful job taking care of others.
There's more than one way of being a mother.
Gina gives her a hug. Interior office of the District attorney.
Day Dana enters from the street, walks towards her office
with a paper takeout bag. Her assistant runs.
Up, Dana, the Emmy called while you were out sis.
He's got fifteen minutes for you if you can.
Get there before one. Dana checks her watch here Enjoy
hands the bag to her assistant, heads back the way
she just came. Interior medical Examiner's office. Day Dana sits
across from the medical examiner flips through the report.
What exactly is asphyxiation by.
Helium breathing impure Healium deprized the body of oxygen. If
the body is unable to take in oxygen, it starts
to die within minutes.
Helium speeds up this process.
When the gas fills the lungs, it creates a diffusion
gradient that washes.
Out the oxygen.
In other words, each time the body breeds in helium,
more oxygen is sucked out of the system. The body's
oxygen level can plummet to a hazardous level in a
matter of seconds.
Could Teddy Wells have killed himself this way without any assistance?
It is possible for someone to perform death by asphyxiation
unassisted but given mister Wells's substantial development disabilities, it's highly
improbable he would have been able to do this by
himself or even agree to it.
So definitely homicide.
Yes.
The curious thing is though helium is nearly undetectable in
toxicology probes, meaning lo more time, talks a lot toxological, toxic, toxicological.
So definitely homicide.
Yes.
The curious thing is though helium is nearly undetectable in
toxicological probes, meaning meaning if the defendant hadn't left the
hood and the tubing out, I wouldn't.
Have checks specifically for helium.
With those signs of visible trauma on the body and
no determinable cause of death, I wouldn't have ruled it
a homicide. She could have walked, so why does she confess?
Dana breaks the examiner's gaze to look back at the report.
Interior Police Station, Front Desk Day. Dana approaches the desk.
Sergeant flashes cir credentials.
I'm looking for Detective Raymond Curtis. Is he available?
Interior Robbery Homicide Office Day. Detective Curtis greets Dana.
Where's Jefferys? How can I help you? Hello?
Detective.
I'd like to say, see the interrogation tapes for Ada Wells, please.
Of course, this way.
Motions for her to follow. Interior Detective Curtis is cubicle
day Dana and Detective Curtis stod at his desk, a
laptop open in front of them.
You're looking for anything in particular.
Honestly, I don't know what I'm looking for.
She watches the screen.
I didn't want him to suffer.
Were you trying to make it look like a suicide?
She presses pause. Faces the detective.
That Emmy told me he wouldn't object for helium. If
she hadn't left the equipment out, so it wouldn't have
been ruled a homicide.
She could have gotten away with it.
It didn't appear she was trying to get away with anything, though.
She didn't try to hide it at all. She gave
us permission to enter and search the home, the hood,
the tubing, Everything was in plane view. Her fingerprints were clean,
no attempt to wipe anything off.
Would you find her guilty if you were on the jury.
I'm a police officer.
Well, that isn't an answer.
I've known.
Alexis Martinez Is said a long time. I was close
with her brother growing up, played ball in school. I
worked for her when she was in.
Your position, which means what exactly.
She's good people. She only takes cases she believes in,
and that's why she didn't last at the DA's office
in all my years assessing murder suspects. Missus Wells's actions
indicate she didn't believe she had done anything that needed
to be covered up. So I'm guessing the defense is
arguing capacity they are.
He shrugs, as if to indicate he agrees.
I think I just struck you from my witness list.
Gives her a sympathetic luck. Interior Dana's office day. Dana
takes a bite from a sandwich, studies a brief. Harvey
breethes in with Alexis. Dana swallows, quickly wipes her mouth,
stands up.
Look who I found wandering the holes twice in one week.
If I didn't know better, I'd say you were trying
to get your old job back.
You'll be the first to know, Harvey.
Well, I'd love to stay in chat, but I've got
a meeting. Go easy on this one. I don't want
to lose another pretty face.
He nods his head at Dana leaves.
He's a peach that one.
Dana does not respond, tries to wait her out.
Then, was there something I could do for you?
No, I was in the neighborhood and thought i'd drop
off our witness lists in person.
Pulls a folder from her briefcase, hands it to Dana.
Thank you. I plan on reaching out to them.
I'm counting on it. They're all more than happy to
speak with you. I think you'll find what they have
to say very enlightening.
She makes no move to leave.
Well, if that's all, that's all, have a nice afternoon, Dana.
She leaves. Dana perus is the list reaches for the
phone Interior State Department of Public Health building. A staff
member leads Dana down a hallway to an office, shows
her inside missus maccario sixties. Where's an American flag pin
on her lapel? Stands in greet Stana offers her a seat.
Thank you for seeing me. I know it can be
awkward talking to the other side.
Not at all.
I've testified on both sides. Facts are facts. What questions
can I answer for you?
You've been deputy director for the Center for Health Care Quality.
For how long?
Thirty eight years this year be my lassed.
Congratulations on your retirement.
Thank you.
What exactly is the role of the center?
We play a critical role in the protection of patient
safety by evaluating health facilities, agencies, and professionals for compliance
with state laws and regulations in order to license, certify,
or register them.
Dana smiles at her tries to winer over.
You've said that a few times, I guess.
Indeed. We also investigate complaints compliance with federal laws and regulations,
oversee the education, training, and criminal clearance of nursing home
administrator's assistance and home health aids. The abuse cases are
the hardest part of the job.
I would imagine how many complaints do you receive?
On average around six thousand a year. Physical and sexual abuse,
sometimes patient to patient, inappropriate use of restraints, medical or
basic needs neglect, patients going without food or lying in
their own waste for days.
Well, that's concerning.
It's criminal. Most of the victims are not physically or
mentally capable of speak in upper defending themselves, so if
there aren't any living relatives to monitor their care, the
abuse can go unchecked for years. With budget cuts year
after year, it's just not possible for us to reach
every facility on a regular basis. It's sad to say,
but the defendant's fears of her son being abused in
an institutional setting were not unfounded or unreasonable.
In total, how many patients are there in the state,
Approximately a little over three hundred, so six thousand out
of over three hundred thousand. That's that's less than two percent.
Spoken like a true lawyer.
I mean, still less than two percent. That makes for
a pretty small chance of being a victim of abuse,
wouldn't you say?
Did you know that less than one percent of our
nation's military was killed in the Iraq War?
No, I didn't missus. Mccario turns a framed photo on
her desk towards Dana. It is a young man in
military dress. Less than one percent. That's a pretty small number,
would you say, unless, of course, that number included your child,
then that's still too many.
I'm sorry for your loss. Thank you for your time.
She gathers her belongings, stands to leave exterior office of
the District Attorney day. Dana exits out onto the street,
dressed in running clothes, takes off towards the surrounding park
at a fast pace. Interior Dana's office day. Dana enters,
flushed from her run, dabs at herself with a towel.
Harvey sits at her desk. She startles at the side
of him.
Sir, apologies, didn't mean to surprise you, just stop by
to see how the case was developing. Things must be
going well. You have time to spare.
It's running. It clears my head, helps me think.
Well, don't let me impede progress.
Then he rises moves towards the door.
Thank you, sir.
She SLINKs down on the vacated chair, goes through her messages, stops,
grabs the phone, punches some numbers.
Mister Unger, this is Dana Jeffries from the district's attorney's office.
Thank you so much for returning my call. Today, would
work four o'clock. Yes, the address is in the file.
Thank you. I'll see Then.
Dana grabs her gin bag to change clothes and freshen up.
Interior Dennis Unger's office day. Mister Unger, early sixties, with
a kind but tired face, rises to greet Dana. They
shake hands. He indicates for her to say.
Mister Hunger, I appreciate you. Green to meet with me.
I won't take too much of your time. I see
in the notes you have a brother with autism who
lives in a group home.
Yes, my twin Leo.
And how long has he been in the group home?
This one of four years?
There have been other placements?
Oh, yes, well over a dozen, probably closer to twenty.
Now, I'm sorry, did you say twenty?
I guess over the past forty years.
My father passed away when my brother and I were
only twenty two heart attack. My mother she couldn't handle
Leo on her on he was too.
Big, too aggressive.
She felt incredibly guilty about not keeping him at home,
but her health was also failing.
The stress was just too much.
I'm so sorry.
Why was your brother moved so often?
Well, every time we'd visit, there would be a new bruise,
a missing tooth, sometimes even a cast. The staff would
always dismiss the injuries is self inflicted and tell us
they needed to add another medication to the mile long list.
He was already taken.
Their way of controlling him was by keeping him incapacitated.
It's very unfortunate. I would have thought that that kind
of mistreatment is isolated or rare, well not.
From what I've seen.
Leo has limited functioning as completely nonverbal, and to be honest,
caring for him is exhausting many of the staff. They
work long, hard hours and a grossly underpaid.
It's a recipe for a disaster.
It's easy to take out your frustrations and someone who
doesn't have a voice.
Yeah, but surely now, I mean, with all the safeguards
and regulations, abuse can't just go unchecked.
It's always a concern for vulnerable populations. I know it's
hard to believe if it doesn't directly affect you, But
you don't think systems fail. Just read the news on
any given day. It happens all the time. Bad lady,
the one you're trying to convict, that'll be me in
a few years, facing the same decision she did. Because
I'm the only one left to care about what happens
to my brother.
He gives her appointed look. Interior Dana's car night. Dana
parks outside her house, punches a button on her cell,
close on phone in her hand, reads mom's cell, puts
the phone to her ear. Sounds of a voicemail greeting
come through, then a beep. She hesitates, ends the call
without saying anything. Interior Dana's living room night. Ethan sits
on the couch watches TV. The front door unlocks. A
few seconds later. Dana comes in, still in her coat.
She drops her briefcase on the floor, crawls into Ethan's lap,
curls in to a ball. He turns off the sound
on the TV.
Tough day. She nods, do you want to talk about it?
She shakes her head, curls up even tighter. He nods
to himself, loosens her bun, strokes her hair. I'm here,
She closes her eyes. Interior Ada's kitchen night. Ada and
Alexis sit at the table, folders stacked on one end.
Gina clears plates. Ada's looks like it has been barely touched.
Are you all done?
Aida?
Oh yes, dear, it was wonderful. I just can't eat much.
Alexis reaches over grabs one of the folders. Ada coughs,
takes a sip of water, smiles at Alexis.
Down to business. Then what happens next?
One sturious selection is complete, will likely start trial the
day or two after. We can go over some of
your testimony. Now, if you're up to it, of course.
She continues to call. Jana shakes her head at Alexis,
out of Ada's sight line. Alexis looks at her watch.
Oh, I'm so sorry, Ada, I forgot I have another appointment.
We can talk tomorrow.
She stands, gathers the folders.
That would be yeah.
Ada doesn't finish her sentence. Instead, she cocks her head
and smiles.
Oh, that's the new piece.
What do you mean, Ada?
Aida stands moves to the living room. Alexis and Gina
exchange looks.
Follow her.
Interior Ada's living room continuous. Teddy plays the piano, a virtuoso.
Ada takes a seat on the bench next to him,
closes her eyes to listen. Alexis and Gina enter watch
her Aida. Ada continues to listen. Teddy finishes. Ada applauds.
She turns toward the women brightly.
Ah, such a talent. I often think he could have
played at Carnegie Hall.
If only she looks up sees their concerned faces. Her
animation drains away.
Well, anyway, thank you for dinner and for the company.
Gena moves to her, puts a hand on her arm.
Why don't you relax in your chair? I'll make you
some tea.
It'll help you sleep.
Oh yes, that sounds nice. Thank you.
I'll let you rest then, good night, Ada, sleep well.
Ada gives a small tired wave as Gina helps her
to the chair. Interior Dana's office. Night Dana sits on
the edge of her desk in the near dark, watches
the news on a screen on the wall. She looks tired.
Jury selection concluded today in the case of the South
Pasadena woman who allegedly suffocated her adult son because he
had autism. Autism is a neurological condition.
She lowers the volume as Carter late twenties, highly efficient
but perpetually anxious enters with a stack of thick files.
I hear, are the briefs you wanted?
Thanks?
She stays focused on the screen. He glances at.
It looks like we made the news. Are you happy
with the jury?
We will see.
It was surprising how many people in the jury pool
know someone with a disability, Probably close to fifty percent.
Wouldn't you say, yeah, something like that. There's a lot
more disabled people out there than I thought. I guess
it's the kind of thing you don't really pay attention
to unless it happens to you.
She finally looks at him.
I suppose you're right.
I guess we're lucky then lucky. Oh so, I just
mean it's good that we don't. Yeah, I mean, well,
you know what I mean.
She remains silent.
Okay, Well, if there's nothing else, I'll see you in
the morning.
He makes a hasty retreat. Interior Dana's bedroom night. Dana
lies in bed in the dark room, stares up at
the ceiling. Ethan is sound asleep beside her. She looks
over at him, eases out of bed. Interior Dana's home
office night. Dana sits down at her desk, turns on
her laptop. Her fingers hesitate over the keyboard, then she
types close on computer screen. As Dana types in Christopher
Moorland and hits enter, multiple listings and images pop up.
Dana scans the results for a moment, then slams the
laptop shut. Interior Dana's house foyer day. Denah stares absently
at herself in the mirror. Choose a nail. Ethan enters
with a travel munk of coffee.
You look great, you got this.
She takes her hand away from her face, turns to
Ethan with a one, when when?
When?
What is that bell? When?
Juan one?
She takes her hand away from her face, turns to
Ethan with a wan smile.
Thanks.
He sets the mug down on the hall table, rubs
her shoulders.
Hey, you're not nervous, are you? You never get nervous?
Not my gal?
Do you think I did the right thing?
What do you mean?
Nothing?
Never mind? I'm how many of you late?
Thanks for the coffee, gives him a quick kiss on
the cheek, picks up the mug and her briefcase. Exterior
courthouse Day, several dozen people, many in wheelchairs, picket by
the front steps. The protesters chant and carry signs that
read remember Terry Schivo, Compassion and Choices, Voice for the Voiceless, etc.
Interior television News Studio Day. A newscaster is on air.
Opening arguments are underway today in the trial of Ada Wells,
an eighty nine year old woman who took the life
of her adult son with autism. Disability rights organizations clashed
with pro euthanasia groups as they picketed outside the courthouse,
and emotions were running high. Some protesters were very strong
in their views.
Intercott Courthouse Television News studio.
I'm the father of a very severely autistic child. We
have always gladly taken care of him, and we always will.
There is absolutely no excuse for killing an autistic person,
whatever the circumstances.
There is no excuse period.
While others were more undecided.
I think the whole story is heartbreaking, just so sad
for everyone involved caring for someone day in and day
out for that many years. I just hope something good
can come out of it.
Jennifer Carr, an advocate for the Right to Die nonprofit
Choices in Dying, spoke to our reporter outside the courthouse.
We continue to fight for a time when every citizen
of this nation is free to live and die as
they choose, according to their own values. This case does
not exemplify the usual end of life decision for a
terminally ill person, so we can condone the actions of
the defendant. However, we do recognize that suffering is not
limited merely to the physical body and can affect one's
quality of life as a whole. Now more than ever,
we need support systems for our aging population and for
people with disabilities to avoid repeats of such tragic events as.
This and prosecutor Daner Jeffries from the District Attorney's office
had this to say.
Dana strides up the courthouse steps. A reporter follows thrusts
a microphone at.
Her, condoning a crime of this nature is a lethal
danger to the disabled population.
Interior courthouse security checkpoint day, Ada and Gina pass through
the metal detectors head towards the courtroom. Alexis puts her
briefcase on the conveyor belt. Dana pushes through the front door,
walks up behind Alexis places her personal items in a bin.
Alexis glances over her shoulder as she removes her jacket.
We could have avoided all this.
The crowd outside seems to indicate otherwise.
Is that what you're concerned about?
No, No, what I'm concerned about is what kind of
message it sends if we allow people to murder other
people with impunity.
You know full well it wasn't murder.
Call it whatever you want, but either way, he's dead
and if she really wanted what was best for him,
she would have given him up. That was the right
thing to do.
I'm sure that will sound wonderful on the five o'clock news.
She steps through the detector. Interior courtroom. Day Ada sits
at the defense table with Alexis, coughs quietly into a handkerchief.
Gina sits in the gallery behind them. Dana and Carter
occupy the prosecutor's table. The judge enters from her chambers.
All rise, Everyone rises.
A judge sits, raises her hand be seated in the
matter of the people versus Adelaide Wells.
Is the state ready to proceed?
Yes, your honor, Defense, Yes, your honor.
We will now hear opening statements, beginning with the prosecution.
Dana rises from her chair, smooths her skirt, addresses the jury.
Euthanasia, mercy killing, assisted suicide. These phrases bring to mind
terminally ill patients begging for someone to end their suffering.
Despite what you may have heard or seen in the media,
this case is not about that victim. Theodore Wells was
not terminally ill, clinically depressed, or tired of living. Yes,
he had autism, but that's not a rare disorder without
treatment options. By some estimates, one out of every fifty
four people in this country have it. Look up autism
on the Internet and you'll find hundreds, if not thousands
of resources, support groups, therapies all available to help people
and their families who live with this common disorder. All
the defendant had to do was simply pick up the
phone and call one of them.
Help was just a phone call away.
Does that sound like a Hope Bliss situation to you?
Does that sound like a situation so bleak that you
would murder your own child? No matter how well meaning
they try to tell you that the defendant's intentions were.
The fact is she planned and carried out the murder
of her son. The victim's life wasn't worth any less
because he had autism and his mother had no justifiable
reason for killing him. Murder's murder, no matter what, and
that is what the state will prove. Thank you.
She takes her seat. Alexi Stans walks to the jury box.
Leans In.
Sixty five years ago, autism was a completely misunderstood disorder,
so much so that it took Ada Well's nearly forty
years to get a diagnosis for her son. For almost
four decades, doctors told Ada that Teddy's condition was her fault,
that she had done this to him because she was
cold and unfeeling. A refrigerator mother they called her. Nothing
could have been further from the truth. Those doctors, even
her own family and friends, told Ada to put her
only child in an institution and walk away, forget he'd
ever been born. Can you imagine? But Ada would have
none of it. Instead, she dedicated her entire life to
making sure Teddy knew he was loved and cherished. And
she did this with almost no support. She lost her husband,
her friends, her entire life as she knew it.
Turns to give Aida an empathetic look.
Ada lived confined within the walls of her home, giving
up everything she wanted for herself, sixty five years of
complete selflessness to protect her child. Sixty five years.
She lets that number hang in the air, then returns
to the defense table, squeezes Ada's hand well.
The State call its first witness.
The state calls doctor Martine Kressler.
Doctor Cressler steps into the courtroom, takes the witness box.
Dana straightens her notes, approaches the doctor. She glances out
into the gallery sees Ethan, who gives her a nod.
Interior Dana's dining room night. The table is set with
flowers and candles. The lights are dimmed, soft music plays.
The front door unlocks footsteps. As Dana enters, Ethan pops
out from the kitchen to greet her surprise.
Oh what is all of this?
Oh?
I just thought i'd give the warrior returning from a
battle a much deserve welcome home.
He takes her briefcase, sets it down, gives her a kiss.
I didn't know you were going to be there today.
Yeah, you seem like you maybe needed some support.
No, I'm fine. I was fine, but thank you.
Sit down, relax, Dinner is almost ready. Here, give me
your jacket.
He removes her jacket, steers her towards the table. She sits,
spots the glass of wine in front of her, takes
a long drink. Interior Dana's dining room. Later, Dana and
Ethan are at the table, plates pushed aside. Her shirt
is still buttoned up, her hair still pulled back. One
wine bottle on the table is empty. Ethan reaches for
a second bottle, moves to top off Dana's glass. She
puts her hand out to cover it.
Oh, not for me.
I have to be in court early tomorrow.
He gets up, clears the dirty dishes, speaking of you
feel good about today?
You know I don't like talking about trial in the
middle of it.
I know, I know, but you're usually so fired up
after day court, like there's an electricity running through your veins.
I know, I kind of like it, truth be told.
He comes up behind her, kisses her neck, unbuttons the
top button of her glause.
I'm not used to seeing you so low key? Is everything?
Okay, It's just a different kind of case, that's all.
He rubs her shoulders.
If any that never happened to you, if you couldn't
take care of yourself, how would you feel?
What do you mean?
Like?
Would I be upset?
Yeah?
Yes, I guess that's what I'm asking.
Depressed? Oh, bless, like not wanting to live?
Would I still be able to make love to you?
He leans down to nibble on her ear. She shrugs
him off, turns to face him. I'm serious, He searches
her face. You are serious, pulls up a chair next
to hers.
Okay, seriously, life is great. I wouldn't want to die
even if things got tough. I think I could live
with most things. If I was paralyzed or something like.
That, You wouldn't be depressed.
Well, I'm sure I would have low points, but who doesn't.
Lots of people live with disabilities.
And have very productive, meaningful lives. Remember that piece I
did last year on the Paralympics. Now, those athletes could
do more than most able bodied people would.
What if you were mentally disabled?
I don't know.
I never thought about that before. What level are we
talking about here? I wouldn't want to lie around in
a vegetative state for years and years.
If that's what you mean. That's why I have a
DNR order. What is this about? Anyway?
But at what point do you make that decision to
walk away?
Like?
How long do you try before you just give up?
I'm not sure.
I don't think you can put an absolute on something
like that. Everyone's situation is different. You might think you
know what you do, but you can't really say until
you've been there. I think you're right. One bottle of
wine is enough. Come on, let's go to bed.
He stands, takes her hand. She gently pulls it away.
I'll be there in a bit.
I have some work to finish.
Up, always work. I don't be too long. I might
pass up before you have a chance to take advantage
of me.
Down to kiss her, She looks up at him. Grabs
his hand.
Thank you.
For what.
For putting up with me? You know it's not always easy.
What's that? But it's worth it. You're worth it.
He kisses her. Her hands trail as he exits towards
the bedroom. She finishes the wine in her glass, contemplates
the second bottle, let's out a sigh, and grabs it. Interior,
courtroom day. The judge enters from her chambers. All rise,
The room comes to its feet, waits while the judge
settles herself. There's a sense of expectation in the courtroom.
Be seated.
In the matter of the people of the State of
California versus Adelaide Wells. Court is now in session. Counselor
please proceed.
The defense calls Ada Wells.
Shuffling and whispering from the gallery as Gina helps Ada
make her way into the witness box.
Please right is your right hand?
Do you swear or for him to tell the truth,
the whole truth, and nothing but the truth?
I do, she says, settles herself. Alexis approaches the witness box.
Good morning, Would you please state your full name for
the record?
Adelaide Marie Wells.
Miss Wells, please.
Call me Ada of.
Course, Ada. Can you tell us about your son, Teddy.
Yes, Teddy was my first and only child. He was
born four weeks early. I always said it was because
he knew I couldn't wait for him to get here.
My husband Jack was stationed in Vietnam at the time,
so I drove myself to the hospital.
That would be scary, having your first baby all alone.
Besides being born premature, were there any other delivery complications?
Yes, I was in labor thirty two hours. Teddy was
a breech berth and it was very difficult. I always
wondered if that might have affected him.
How did Teddy's development progress after that?
He was meeting some of his milestones at first, sitting
up and crawling, but he never babbled, never could. He
rarely smiled. He never seemed to look at you. It
was more like through you. And he was so quiet.
In the beginning. He would get this far away look
on his face, like he was locked away somewhere no
one else could get.
To insert exterior ATI's house flashback. Young Ada holds one
year old Teddy in the front yard, points up at
the sky. Jack Ada's husband sits on the porch, beer
bottles around his feet.
Look at the pretty bird.
Teddy does not look, makes no sound.
Don't you see it? It's there, Teddy, It's right there. Look.
Jack throws a bottle to the ground, gets up in disgust,
and goes inside, slams the screen door behind him.
Just look, Teddy, please just look at the pretty bird.
Back to scene.
Did anyone else notice or comment on Teddy's behavior?
At first? My family and friends told me how lucky
I was to have such a calm baby, until they
tried to hold him. Teddy would scream and twist away
so violently I thought he would hurt himself if anyone
touched him besides me?
How is he with his father?
Jack was overseas the first year of Teddy's life, but
then he was injured in a trading accident, so he
was discharged from the service and came home. The pain
from the accident he would drink to make it go away.
Things were difficult, difficult how insert interior Ada's living room flashback.
Jack stumbles in the front door, clearly drunk. Little Teddy
sits on the floor, small toys lined in a row
in front of him. Jack approaches Teddy, pats him on
the head, then picks up one of the toys.
Hey, why what are you playing that?
Teddy screams repeatedly bangs his ears to those fists. Jack
gets in Teddy's face, yells.
What the hell's wrong with you? Stop that.
He kicks all of Teddy's toys. Teddy screams louder. Young
Ada rushes in scoops up. Teddy attempts to console him.
He's not my kids, he's freak. You made him a freak.
He takes a swing at Ada, who ducks, Who stumbles
and falls. Ada runs out with Teddy. Back to scene.
Ada coughs, pours herself a glass of water, takes a sip.
Her hand trembles slightly.
Finally Jack left for good. Our friends eventually stopped coming
to visit, family, died or moved away, and then Teddy
started refusing to leave home. When I tried to take
him anywhere, he would bite himself or pull his hair out,
so we just stayed in. After that, You.
Were so alone, so isolated. How did you survive?
What did you live on a few months after Jack left,
the police came to tell me he'd drank himself to death.
I started receiving his benefits along with my father's estate.
It was enough to get by.
What about human contact, someone to talk.
To, Ada finds Gina in the gallery, smiles at her.
I was blessed to have a neighbor, Ruth and her
daughter Gina, who looked in us regularly brought us groceries.
We had a doctor who made house calls, and our
pastor father Weeda, also came by until he got sick
and had passed away.
So in sixty five years you had contact with just
four people.
But I had Teddy For every time he was unreasonable,
he was also a joy. He had a real sense
of the earth, love tending the garden. Sometimes he would
lie down on the ground and rub the dirt all
over him. I think it made him feel connected to something.
He taught himself to play the piano. He could listen
to a song on the radio once, then play it back. Nope,
for note, it was truly a gift, the briefest glimp
So what is life might have been like?
If only she coughs again, quite uncontrollably. Alexa steps closer
to her.
Ada, are you all right?
Aida nods, still coughing. Several jury members cast sympathetic glances
at her. Dana notices the judge looks at Ada with
some concern.
I think that's enough for today. Court is adjourned until
nine am Monday morning.
People rise make their way out. Interior Dana's home office. Night. Dana,
still in court clothes, writes on a legal pad at
her desk, scribbles furiously, drops her head in her hands.
Ethan comes in, steps behind her, puts his hands on
her shoulders. She startles.
I didn't hear you come in still working. It's almost midnight,
it is.
He pulls up a chair across from her, sits down,
lifts her life onto his lap.
You haven't even taken your shoes off yet.
He slides off her shoes, massages her feet.
Hey, hey, hey, She tenses, relax.
She leans back in the chair. They're silent for a moment.
Are you all right, data, She sits.
Up, pulls her feet away.
I'm fine.
Why, Oh, you've been on edge lately.
It's just the case.
Do you want to talk about.
It with a journalist?
No, it's me.
Remember your boyfriend, and I'm a sports writer. That's not
quite the same. You're not sleeping with the enemy. You're right, Sorry, Okay,
I have an idea. Why don't we take a break
and do something fun this weekend.
I don't know, and I have a lot of work
to do.
Ethan, Oh, come on, just just for a few hours.
It's my niece's first birthday tomorrow. My sister is having
a barbecue. It'll be fun, and he would do you
some good to get out for a bit, just clear
your head. Besides, she's my only niece and we've barely
even seen her.
She hesitates. He nuzzles up to her.
Oh, come on, come on, come onma, just just for
a little while. We'll have some cold beer. No on
some ribs.
He leans in, bites her side in a playful manner.
She laughs. He takes her face in his hands, looks
at her with intent.
You know, it's good to hear you laugh.
Okay, okay, he talked me into it for a little while.
I know I'm hard to resist. I know.
He pretends to chew on her again. She shrieks in protest.
Stop stop.
Exterior Rebecca's backyard day tables and chairs are set up
under canopies, balloons, and first birthday party decorations everywhere. One
table is piled high with brightly wrapped presents. Rebecca thirties,
Ethan's sister, holds a baby girl, Sydney, dressed in a
tiara and a frothy pink dress. Talks with an older couple.
Smoke rises from a corner of the yard. Rebecca's husband,
Kevin thirties, wears a party hat, flips burgers and a
large barbecue grill. People mill about, chat, drinks in hand.
Kids run in and around the adults with shrieks of joy.
Ethan and Dana enter through the back gate. He carries
a huge present.
Where's my little rock Star?
Rebecca turns around Ethan. Ethan sets the present on the table.
Rebecca walks over to greet them. Ethan kisses her on
the cheek, takes Sydney from her, kisses the baby all
over as she squeals in delight.
Here she is, Now, what on earth has your mother
dressed you in? Huh? You look like a birthday cake,
not a birthday girl.
He pretends to nibble on Sydney.
Aha, she looks adorable.
She gets Dana a hug.
Dana, I am so happy you could make it, even
seen you in ages. I know how busy you are,
though we saw you on television.
Such a sad case. Ethan shoots, Rebecca look clears his throat.
Ah, Rebecca oops, not supposed to mention work.
You're here to have fun. Let me get you to
a drink.
I will be right back.
Ethan continues to play with Sydney catches Dana's eye grins widely.
Dana looks around at the partygoers. Her gaze lands on
a family of three, mother, father, and a little girl, Mollie,
just beginning to walk. It is apparent that Molly has
down syndrome. She takes a few faltering steps, lands on
her bottom.
Laughs.
Molly's parents cheer her on. Rebecca returns with drinks, follows
Dana's gaze.
Those are our new neighbors. I'll introduce you, is it Molly?
Just the cutest handsome their drinks?
Here you go my secret Hawaiian punch. Definitely not the
kiddy version.
Cheers.
Now, if Kevin hasn't burned everything, I think we might
be ready to eat.
Exterior Rebecca's backyard. Later, guests eat talk. Dana and Ethan
share a table with Rebecca, Kevin, and Sydney. Molly and
her family at the table across from them. Dana glances
over repeatedly.
Kevin, that wasn't half bad. I think you might need
another plate, you.
Know, I feel like he's rubbing his you know what
I mean?
Who's ringing?
Kevin?
I'll do go for it.
He's a party guy, h party yeah.
So from Ethan's line.
Yes, yeah, Kevin man, that wasn't half bad. I think
you might need another plate.
I think it might have to join you.
They head for the food table.
Time to get the cake.
Dana, can you hold her for a second?
Without waiting for a response, she hands Sydney to Dana.
She's visibly uncomfortable, unsure of what to do, She awkwardly
bounces the baby on one knee. Sydney babbles and claps
her hands, which catches the attention of Molly, who stumbles
her way over to them. Mollie reaches Dana and Sydney
stretches out her arms for Dana to pick her up.
Dana looks around, ill at ease. Molly's mother comes over.
Did you come to make friends? Molly?
She picks Molly up, sets her on Dana's other knee.
Dana stiffens. The two children interact with each other.
Adorable I have to get a picture.
She steps away. Mollie turns her attention to Dana, touches
her face and hair. Dana's eyes are frozen on hers.
Molly's mother returns, snaps a picture with her.
Phone, say happy birthday.
Ethan approaches, smiles at the sight. Rebecca returns scoops up Sydney.
Dana, who knew you had such a way with kids.
Dana gives her a faint smile, hands Molly back to
her mother.
Excuse me, I need to use the restaurm.
She hurries towards the house. Interior Rebecca's house, bathroom day.
Dana sits on the side of the bathtub, bent over
her head in her hands. The doorknob rattles. She looks up,
calls out just a moment. She stands, moves to the sink,
finds mouth washed in a paper cup in the medicine cabinet,
grinses out her mouth, sketches her reflection in the mirror.
Her face is ashen. Exterior, Rebecca's house, driveway night. Dana
gets into the passenger seat of their car. As Ethan
hugs his sister and niece goodbye. Rebecca makes Sidney blow
kisses as the car drives away interior Ethan's car moving night.
Ethan drives as Dana looks out the side window.
You've been quiet, you okay?
She does not look at him.
There's a little too much secret punch.
Yeah, it packed the wall up.
It was great to see you loose enough for a
bit though. You were so cute with the babies. I
think they fell in love with you.
She stays silent. He glances at her.
I've never really seen you around kids before. What do
you think.
About?
What about having kids? We've never talked about it.
She sits up right.
Yes, yes, yes we did. When we first got together.
It was one of the reasons we were attracted to
each other.
We were both happy.
With our lives and our careers and we didn't want
to change that.
Sure, but that was what we wanted then. But that's
that was a few years ago. People can change their minds.
I haven't changed my mind.
I'm happy with things just the way they are.
So you don't ever want to have kids.
And now all of a sudden you do.
I don't know, Dana, we're just talking. But maybe there's
more to life than working sixteen hour days.
I like my job, I like to work.
Yeah, I know, what does that mean?
He pulls into their driveway, shuts off the car interior
Ethan's car continuous. Ethan turns to look at Dana.
Nothing.
It's just.
You're so driven by work and only work. Maybe you
should take some time to discover other interests, do other.
Things, like have a baby.
Well, it'll be fun trying.
Maybe is that what you want?
To have a baby?
You're so smart and strong and beautiful. Can't you just
imagine what a perfect little baby would make No?
No, I don't want to imagine it. I don't. I
don't want to imagine it at all. Like I can't
have a baby.
What you mean you mean you can't get pregnant. We
use birth control. So I just thought. I am so sorry.
I didn't know that, Dana.
He moves to comfort her. She pulls away.
I just I can't have a baby. I can't. And
why are you bringing this up now?
I don't know.
I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you.
You just look so beautiful holding those little girls today.
It seems so perfect.
Stop saying that. Stop it, stop it. I had I
had a baby. Do you understand I had a baby,
and she wasn't perfect.
She was perfect, and.
I tried and I couldn't do it like I couldn't
be perfect.
She pushes open the car door, runs inside the house.
Interior Dana's house hallway day. Ethan stops outside the closed
door to Dana's office. He knocks gently, then opens the door.
Interior Dana's home office continuous. Dana stands at the window
with her back to the door. Ethan looks in.
Can I come in?
She doesn't answer or turn around. It takes one step in.
You've been in here since last night. There's a pretty
big elephant in the room. Can we talk about it?
She shakes her head.
That's why this case has been so tough for you,
isn't it. Why you don't ever talk about your family,
Why you move thousands of miles away, why you keep
all your feelings bottled inside.
Your baby.
She shakes her head again, slower this time. End of
BAC Too