Taylor Alexander (Mock Trial) Direct Examination

Good evening Mr. Alexandar

Good evening

Could you please introduce yourself to the court?

My name is Taylor Alexander, I am 36 years old and have lived in the small town of Emerald Bend all my life.

How are you connected to the case today?

I am the victim. I was kidnapped while I was running for city council.

Why did you run for city council?

I ran for city council against Dorais for the people. The town I love, Emerald Bend, was struggling financially. I wanted to represent the many residents of Emerald Bend who wanted to grow the revenue coming into the community by increasing tourism.

What did you think of Dorais’ campaign?

I don’t believe Dorais and their partner Gold had the town’s best interests at heart.

Why do you say so?

They owned the Gold Inn Hotel which had a monopoly on housing for visitors. The increase in house rentals to tourists would take a huge toll on their profits as less people would be coming to their hotel.

How would you describe your relationship with Gold?

Tense. They were the partner and also campaign manager for Dorais and always seemed to have some vendetta against me. Perhaps it was their stake in Gold Inn Hotel, they took the whole situation way too personally.

Can you expand more about this vendetta?

Logan Gold and I have had a long history of tension and he has had multiple disputes with me. He always seemed to be picking for a fight. I didn’t think he would take this vendetta as far as he did on November 11. He ruined my plans for the debate on that day.

What was supposed to be your plan regarding your debate on November 11, 2023?

Well like you said, that day was supposed to be the day of my final debate with Dorais and my final opportunity to sway any undecided voters. I was looking forward to it but…I never made it.

Why didn’t you make it?

I was about to take my usual 5:30 morning run when suddenly a pillowcase came over my head. My wrists were tied behind my back and I tried twisting and thrashing against it.

What happened during this kidnapping?

I was forced into the trunk of a car where they then forced me into a chair and force-fed me a sweet liquid. There was so much adrenaline going through me at that time that I was able to hear something really concerning as well during this whole ordeal.

What concerning thing did you hear during this traumatic experience?

I heard an intentionally distorted, gravelly voice that filled me with dread. It told me how I “brought it on myself” and how  “Everything comes back around.” And that’s when it became really concerning…and eye-opening.

Why was the phrase “Everything comes back around¨ eye-opening?

“Everything comes back around” is an iconic catchphrase of Logan Gold’s that he uses constantly.

What happened after you heard this catchphrase?

Well, after awhile, adrenaline wore off and I fell asleep. I woke up shortly after where I found myself untied in one of my rental properties. The pillowcase I took off my head as well was quite peculiar…

Why was this pillowcase so peculiar?

It had the Gold Inn Hotel logo on it and the phrase ¨Dorais for Emerald Bend¨ written on it.

I’m sorry that this horrible thing happened to you. How did you feel during the kidnapping?

I didn’t know where I was or where I was going. I was petrified. I was really looking forward to the debate. I’m devastated that I missed it.

Did the police ever come?

Yeah, after waking up I immediately rushed out to call the police who arrived shortly after.

What happened when the police arrived?

Deputy Kim arrived and I also got my blood drawn for a toxicology report.

What happened to your scheduled debate for November 11?

After the kidnapping, I was too distressed and traumatized to consider still doing the debate.

What was your reaction to Logan Gold’s arrest on December 4, 2023?

It was completely expected. We have always shared a history of animosity and hostility. I was a threat to their profits at Gold Inn Hotel, and I believe that they are the cause of all of my pain and fear.

And lastly, what, if anything, was the impact this kidnapping had on you?

The impact was huge. The marks on my wrists still hurt and my trauma is still fresh. Those physical marks may fade with time, but no matter how many years past, my trauma will never… ever …completely heal.

Thank you, your honor I have no further questions at this time.

;)