KansasCity.com

Part 1: First one trauma, and now another

Child sex crimes are the toughest to prosecute, but it is even tougher on the kids who testify. In the first of a four-part series, The Star follows the trial of The State of Missouri v. David A. Brake in order to examine the process and problems of prosecuting child sexual crime. First of four parts.

• How ‘The System’ works in Missouri and Kansas

Part 2: Sexual abuse casts a long shadow over jury selection process

Jury selection. Vital and never easy, this one — for a case in which a 12-year-old girl will testify that her mother’s boyfriend raped her when she was 9 — turned more dramatic and emotional than any Lori Fluegel had ever seen. Second of four parts.

Part 3: At last, Jessica’s time to testify

Alone on the witness stand, 12-year-old Jessica tells how her mother’s boyfriend raped her when she was 9 — but her story has changed. Third of four parts.

Part 4: Incriminating evidence comes forth, and a witness is surprised on the stand

The conclusion of The Star's four-part series, which followed the State of Missouri v. David A. Brake in order to examine the process and problems of prosecuting child sexual crimes. Last of four parts.

• Photo gallery | Jessica’s Trial
• Special section | Jessica’s Trial