Josh Duggar’s trial ended today with a guilty verdict. The jury deliberated on Wednesday before asking to return on Thursday to continue looking at the evidence. Their deliberations didn’t last long during the second day. By lunchtime in Arkansas, the jury had reached a guilty verdict. Now, the Duggar family is issuing statements, and the family’s two staunchest opponents, Amy Duggar King and Derick Dillard were among the first to speak out.
Amy Duggar King issued a statement on Twitter
Amy Duggar King issued a public statement on Twitter shortly after the guilty verdict was read. Today, after praying for healing for the judge and juror, Amy addressed her family directly. She wrote, ” May the daughters who were abused feel validated. You are truly beautiful and worthy of love. May there be intense counseling / healing. May there be wisdom for all those involved on how to move forward. Thank you Jesus. Justice has been served.”
The Duggar family cousin has been outspoken about her feelings since the beginning of Josh Duggar’s trial, noting that she’s been unable to speak out about her family due to a non-disclosure agreement she once signed. Amy has never gone into detail about that agreement. However, family followers believe she may have signed the document to appear on the family’s original reality TV show, 19 Kids and Counting.
Amy recently shared that she and her mother were both lied to about what went on inside the Duggar home. The revelation referred to the molestation that occurred in the Duggar household when Josh was still a teen. Yesterday, when jury deliberations began, Amy asked her followers to pray for justice for the children. She also took to Instagram Stories to share that she was on “team Jill.”
Jill and Derick Dillard opted for a more measured response on their family blog
While Amy responded to the verdict in a tweet, the Dillards opted for a more measured response on their blog. Derick and Jill have both spoken openly about their rift with the Duggar family. Most recently, Jill discussed her decision to distance herself for her mental well-being. Still, the duo was on hand when the verdict was read. Derick appeared at the courthouse for the length of the trial.
According to The Sun, Derick offered support to Anna throughout Josh Duggar’s trial and was regularly seen sitting with her. The family’s statement echoed support for Anna and the seven children she shares with Josh. In their response, Jill and Derick noted, “Our hearts are sensitive to the pains Josh’s wife, Anna, and their seven children have already endured.” The duo did say that they felt there was overwhelming evidence against Josh, and that the verdict was correct.
What is the next step for Josh Duggar?
Now that the jury has entered a guilty verdict, Josh will remain in custody while he awaits sentencing. The judge presiding over the case noted that the guilty verdict means Josh is a bigger flight risk than he had been while he awaited trial. The judge explained a flight risk is why he is being held ahead of sentencing.
According to OK Magazine, Josh’s lawyer plans to appeal the decision. He did not offer a timeline for the appeal process. Appeals in such cases are not uncommon. In criminal cases, only a defendant can appeal a verdict.
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