OPENING STATEMENT
On behalf of the State of New York, we, the prosecution, are bringing about the
charges of the murders of Piggy and Simon and the attempted murder of Ralph upon the
defendant, Mr. Jack Merridew. Although the defendant himself did not attack the victims
by any means, he, as leader of the tribe of boys residing at Castle Rock is responsible for
their deaths and attempted murder. It is believed that he was the first to describe the
figure coming from the forest as a beast, rather than a person. Clearly, if the boys were
rejoicing around a fire, there would be enough light to identify the mysterious figure as a
human. We also believe that the defendant lured Piggy into a clearing where he could
easily be targeted. Mr. Merridew was speaking with the victim as he was struck with a
boulder from above. It was also the defendant's idea to smoke Ralph out of his hiding
place in an attempt to brutally and savagely attack him. Had it not been for the timing of
their rescue, we have reason to believe that Ralph would have been killed by the boys
under Mr. Merridew's control, and we will attempt to prove this in our case. The boys
may have been both physically and emotionally weak, and therefore the defendant should
have attempted control them, rather than excite them. Through our questioning and cross-
examination we will attempt to prove that the defendant's lack of responsibility and
command over the boys whom he was supposed to be in control of was the main cause of
the murders of Piggy and Simon and the attempted murder of Ralph.