[ WP ] A genius serial killer who has been killing successfully for a decade . With one weakness . He can never ever lie . He 's finally gets caught and is facing trial for a murder in court . Yet , he walks , acquitted of all charges .

**July 29th, 2015, 11:28am** 
 
 `` Your honor, I would like to make a confession.'' 
 
 The room collectively gasped in surprise. 
 
 `` But I have one condition,'' the defendant said. `` Please turn off all recording devices as I make my first confession. If you need, I can repeat my confession for the record, but the first time I say this will *not* be recorded. Is this agreeable?'' 
 
 The proposal brought Judge Thompson back to his early days as a detective. He had seen his fair share of suspects try to wiggle a better deal or score points with the detective with this tactic before, but never had he seen it in the courtroom. Mused, he agreed, `` All right. Bailiff, please ensure all cameras and microphones are turned off. Mr. Stratton, go on please.'' 
 
 Mr. Stratton waited until he saw the bailiff flick the last switch to speak, `` I would like everyone's forthright attention, please. It is very important that you listen very closely.'' 
 
 He knew he had to order his next words very carefully, or else panic would erupt. He could n't have that, it would undermine his power and get them all killed. Ideally, he wanted to walk away from this alive. But as a `` dead man'' with the evidence against him, he did n't have much to lose, did he? 
 
 `` First, it sure is hot in here, is n't it? I wish we could *turn up the air conditioning*,'' Mr. Stratton said. That was the first cue. 
 
 The metal ducts above-head clicked and groaned as the ventilation system roared to life. 
 
 `` No no, much too loud.'' The system then slowed to a mild din. `` That's better.'' 
 
 Judge Thompson, visibly confused and irritated by that perplexing occurence, began, `` Mr. Stratton, you said you would begin your-'' 
 
 `` My confession. Yes, I confess to bombing an entire courthouse and killing all 84 people inside on July 29th, at 11:35am, one minute from now.'' 
 
 Jaws dropped around the room. Stratton did n't pause, `` But that does n't need to happen. Thank you for your undivided attention. 
 
 `` A fortunate product of the attention from the news on my killings, is that I've garnered a little bit of a following. Outside the courthouse I have a partner ready to blow this entire building, should anyone attempt to leave. Additionally, inside this room I have an accomplice ready to trigger the release of sarin gas into the ventilation, which would make any *rash* decisions very, very *unwise*. And painful, of course.'' 
 
 It was all going according to plan. Now for another small token of proof. `` It's a little bright in here,'' Stratton said. A second later the lights above the judge's bench went out. `` Thank you.'' 
 
 Stratton kept talking, `` I am accused of nine murders. I did them all. I made little attempt to hide it. You have the evidence, and now you have my admission.'' 
 
 The audience was fixated on his words, and he saw fear in their eyes. Good. 
 
 `` And yet, you will acquit me of all charges.'' 
 
 The audience began to murmur. `` This is an outrage!'' Judge Thompson shouted. 
 
 `` No, your Honor. This is life. Life, or death. And right now you all must choose whether you wish to keep living, or whether you wish to kill not only yourself but also everyone else here in order to bury me. I, for one, recommend the staying alive option,'' Stratton replied. 
 
 Stratton turned to the bailiff, `` You may turn the cameras back on, if you would please. I'll provide that'confession' now.'' 
 
 Judge Thompson clenched his fist. The vitriol in his voice was tangible as he said, `` I'll see to it that you die, Mr. Stratton.'' 
 
 Mr. Stratton smiled. `` Only if you play by my rules! Remember that under the laws of double jeopardy, one can not be retried for a crime he has already been acquitted of, even if new evidence arises.'' 
 
 The bailiff returned, `` Recording, your Honor.'' 
 
 `` Great!'' Stratton exclaimed. `` I confess... that I am rather tired of this whole procedure, and would like to be done with it as soon as possible. I ask the jury to deliberate in their room with due speed. The defense rests.'' 
 
 _______________________________________ 
 
 After an hour, the jury returned to give the verdict. The courtroom stands. 
 
 `` Not guilty.''
