Late that same evening, officers located Evelyn hiding at a local motel.
She was taken into custody without further incident and brought to headquarters.
The local news media quickly picked up the story of the Dallas betrayal.
Reporters stood outside the courthouse waiting for updates on the high-profile case.
Richard hired the top legal attorney in Texas to represent his interests.
Attorney: We have absolute clear physical evidence and multiple eye-witness statements.
Richard: I want justice served fully to protect my innocent daughter.
Attorney: She will face severe criminal charges for attempted harm and fraud.
Three months later, the formal trial began in the city courthouse.
Evelyn sat at the defense table wearing plain orange prison clothing.
Her slick high-priced lawyers tried to argue that the powder was accidental.
However, kitchen security camera footage showed her hiding the plastic packet carefully.
The jury watched the clear video evidence with visible disgust and shock.
Prosecutor: The defendant acted with clear planning and cold calculated intent.
The prosecutor held up the lab reports confirming the toxic nature of powder.
Prosecutor: Only the courage of a brave child prevented a fatal tragedy.
Richard testified calmly on the stand about the events of that evening.
He explained how his daughter ran across the room to save him.
Richard: My daughter showed more courage than anyone else in that room.
The jury deliberated for less than two hours before reaching a verdict.
Judge: We find the defendant guilty on all counts of attempted harm.
Evelyn wept loudly as the judge delivered the maximum prison sentence allowed.
She was sentenced to twenty-five years in state prison without early parole.
Richard held his head high as he walked out of the courtroom.