My sister smiled just before my little daughter slipped into the hotel pool. When I tried to reach her, my father grabbed my arm and refused to let me go.

it “horseplay.” My father’s attorney claimed he had restrained me because I was hysterical and might injure myself. But the hotel security camera showed Emily underwater for too long. Witnesses gave statements. A retired nurse who had performed CPR testified that Emily’s pulse had been weak when she reached her.

The prosecutor offered Vanessa a plea continue reading …