Ineligible For Punishment
Because the police were out of choices, the investigation had to be wrapped up, and the case closed. In spite of the fact that they believed David was responsible for the crime in question, they were unable to bring charges against him.
Considering the fact that he wasn’t an adult at the time of his sister’s demise and the circumstances that surrounded her death, he was ineligible for punishment which was in effect in 1985 since the law had been updated since then.
We may never know what really happened on Thanksgiving Day with Martha Jean. Perhaps none of this would have happened if David’s parents hadn’t been involved in relationships that were unhealthy and unsatisfying.
It’s possible that they might have had a wonderful Thanksgiving and had their children remain with them if they hadn’t quarreled. Who knows?